UNICEF Luxembourg has published its annual report for 2025, noting that growing needs are outpacing available funding and that the Caritas scandal has damaged public trust in aid organisations.
In 2025, UNICEF Luxembourg collected €8.68 million to help children in crisis situations worldwide. Paul Heber from UNICEF Luxembourg noted that donations remained more or less stable, with a slight downward trend. He added that many emergencies and wars are currently happening simultaneously, requiring organisations like UNICEF to respond on multiple fronts. This, he said, has led to a certain degree of donor fatigue.
To mitigate this fatigue, UNICEF Luxembourg is placing particular emphasis on so-called Global Parents – individuals who commit to donating a specific amount each month. Heber explained that this makes it easier for the NGO to plan ahead, comparing the monthly donations to a salary. This mechanism generated €4.6 million in donations in 2025, with 3,739 new people committing to become Global Parents. To recruit new Global Parents, UNICEF relies on door-to-door canvassing to inform people about its work. Heber acknowledged that this requires significant manpower, but said it is worthwhile because the regular donations from Global Parents are so important to UNICEF Luxembourg.
Asked about the Caritas scandal, Heber said that everyone has an interest in finding out exactly what happened. Even if people do not say it outright, he believes that public trust in aid organisations has suffered, stating that the affair was “very bad” for all NGOs in Luxembourg.
UNICEF wants to place greater emphasis on transparency regarding donations. Additionally, staff receive cybersecurity training so they know how to proceed when they feel suspicious about something and can detect potential fraud more easily. Speaking to RTL, Heber expressed optimism that UNICEF is well prepared and that incidents such as the one that led to the collapse of Caritas could not occur at UNICEF.
Every donor can specify what their donations should be used for or allow the money to be used flexibly, meaning the NGO can allocate it to the cause most in need. Heber stressed that UNICEF also helps children in Luxembourg, noting that the organisation was involved in drafting the national action plan against poverty.
Through the “Not alone” campaign, for example, adolescents are offered a platform where they can find help for mental health issues or access resources teaching stress management techniques. UNICEF is also raising awareness about legal possibilities available to young people. In Luxembourg, every minor under 18 has the legal right to speak to a lawyer free of charge. According to Heber, many are unaware of this right, which is why UNICEF is committed to informing children and adolescents about their rights. He stated that this, too, can help minors, particularly those in precarious situations.
