The Humanitarian Action Report (HAR) is UNICEF's annual appeal for children and women affected by emergencies around the world.The 2009 report comprises 36 countries in the six UNICEF regions. Children and women suffer most from conflict, war, natural disasters and dire health and nutrition situations. We rely on your support to be able to respond effectively and efficiently to the needs of children and women affected by emergencies and to ensure their protection and well-being.

Humanitarian Action Report is UNICEF s annual appeal for children and women affected by emergencies around the globe. This summary report provides an overview of the full report, funding requirements for the current year, emergency information for regions and countries and human interest stories.

On 20 November 2009, the global community celebrates the 20th anniversary of the adoption by the United Nations General Assembly of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, the unique document that sets international standards for the care, treatment and protection of all individuals below age 18. To celebrate this landmark, the United Nations Children's Fund is dedicating a special edition of its flagship report The State of the World's Children to examining the Convention's evolution, progress achieved on child rights, challenges remaining, and actions to be taken to ensure that its promise becomes a reality for all children.

UNICEF's Humanitarian Action Report 2010 examines crises that require exceptional support - where urgent action is imperative to save lives, protect children against the worst forms of violence and abuse, and ensure access to water and sanitation, health care, nutrition and education. The 28 countries featured in the report include those engaged in the 2010 Consolidated Appeals Process (CAP) as well as countries in other protracted crises where high levels of chronic vulnerability, life-threatening undernutrition and limited access to basic services are compounded by localized emergencies, population movements or other obstacles to long-term recovery. Regional and global support - including the critical need for early warning and preparedness in advance of new crises - are highlighted in dedicated chapters.