ZAGREB, 3 Dec (Hina) – With nearly 17% of children in Croatia growing up at risk of poverty and many struggling with mental health challenges and lack of parental care, UNICEF has launched a new campaign to assist those living in the most challenging conditions.

Prominent public figures, including soccer players, singers and actors, have joined the campaign, encouraging unity and compassion during the holiday season.

According to UNICEF, 16.6% of children in Croatia face poverty risks, while approximately 44,000 children and young people deal with mental health issues.

Additionally, over 1,400 children in Croatia grow up in institutional care, and only one in eight children with developmental disabilities has access to early intervention services’ essential for their progress and quality of life.

“UNICEF has always stood by the most vulnerable children in Croatia and around the world, but no one ”not even UNICEF” can do it alone. Together with donors and citizens, we’ve achieved meaningful change”, said Croatian actress Bojana Gregorić Vejzović, UNICEF’s National Ambassador.

Donations can be made via UNICEF’s website or directly to the account: HR1723600001501092524, reference number 2408-98, model 00.