War Child

Another week, another devastating scene from #Lebanon 💔 Filmed by one of our staff, this footage shows a once vibrant neighbourhood in Beirut destroyed. In October alone, at least one child was killed and 10 injured every day. Attacks on densely populated areas are only intensifying. We reiterate our calls for a permanent and unconditional ceasefire across the region.

Reflecting on last week's #AidEx & #Development2023 conference in Geneva, it was inspiring to engage with such a diverse mix of organizations—donors, humanitarian and development partners, foundations, tech innovators, and private sector leaders—all united by a commitment to sustainable change. The event sparked powerful conversations and new collaborations. A few key themes which stood out to me during the sessions and conversations: 💡 Blockchain & digital currency: It was fascinating to see real-world examples of blockchain streamlining aid delivery. Blockchain has the potential to transform humanitarian aid with faster, more transparent, and accountable solutions. However, it’s crucial to balance this potential with the practical challenges of humanitarian settings. 🌍 Localization: Despite being a core commitment in the Grand Bargain, localization is progressing too slowly. Encouragingly, USAID is committing to increase funding directly to local organizations, but the sector needs to accelerate efforts to empower local actors meaningfully and sustainably. 🌱 Climate action: Addressing climate challenges requires thoughtful, research-driven approaches. The conference highlighted the need for solutions that avoid “quick fixes” and ensure sustainability. The need for thoughtful, sustainable approaches resonates deeply, especially as we see the long-term impacts of rushed interventions. A big thank you to all who made this event a rich learning experience. Looking forward to continuing these conversations and fostering collaborations that drive meaningful change. #AidEx2024 #Development2030 #HumanitarianAid #Localization #Blockchain #ClimateAction #WarChild #SustainableDevelopment

In the last month in #Lebanon, thousands of children’s lives have been turned upside down by the escalation of hostilities. ⚠️ More than 2,600 people - including hundreds of children - have been killed since 8 October 2023 ⚠️ Around 833,400 people - including entire families - have been forced to flee their homes ⚠️ Almost all schools are closed and civilian infrastructure, including War Child centres, have been damaged by Israeli airstrikes We are on the ground in the North, Baalbeck Hermel and Beirut Mount Lebanon supporting children and families living in temporary shelters. To date, we have been able to reach more than 1,700 children with basics like food and water but also urgently needed mental health support. Hear from our country director and those affected in this article: https://lnkd.in/ezXSWvRg

Two-thirds of children in #Ukraine have been forced to flee across borders since the full-scale war began in 2022. For those who remain, any trace of a normal childhood has been cruelly stripped away from them. To address this urgent and escalating crisis, we’ve teamed up with local partners All Ukrainian Foundation for Children’s Rights and NGO Montessori UA with vital funding from the United Nations Ukraine Humanitarian Fund. The project - which commenced in May - focuses on creating a protective circle around children in community, kindergarten and school settings. Through sports, art and other forms of psychosocial support, we are tackling trauma and distress 🎨🎭 We are also supporting teachers and caregivers through evidence-based innovations including BeThere 👨👨👧 The project is targeting some 42,700 children and adults across 11 districts in the south and east of the country.

There is no viable alternative to UNRWA in #Gaza ⚠️ UNRWA’s essential and irreplaceable role in coordinating humanitarian activities and support to children and all people in Gaza cannot be overstated. World leaders must act urgently to protect UNRWA from the unprecedented and dangerous attacks it faces from the Israeli Government aimed at ceasing its operations. This would dismantle the backbone of the international humanitarian operation in Gaza aggravating an already catastrophic crisis. Dismantling UNRWA would be catastrophic for Palestinians especially in Gaza and the West Bank as they are deprived of essentials such as food, water, medical aid, education and protection. It would also have disastrous consequences for millions of Palestinian refugees in Lebanon, Jordan and Syria where humanitarian aid is crucial for both refugee and host communities.

What’s happening in northern Gaza? The answer is hauntingly simple. North #Gaza is being wiped off the map. ⚠️ Israeli forces have ordered the forced displacement of an estimated 400,000 Palestinians from the area. As people try to flee, they are coming under gunfire. This is not an evacuation. ⚠️ Since the start of the month, no food has been allowed into the area. In recent days, our colleagues have reported that children and families have resorted to eating grass. This is not a time for silence - this is a time for action. World leaders must act in line with the UN General Assembly Resolution on the ICJ's recent Advisory Opinion and fulfil their obligation not to facilitate or support Israel’s illegal occupation. Read our joint statement: https://lnkd.in/e_hArFsh https://lnkd.in/enZMY589

The events children experience during war and flight can have lasting effects on their mental health - from feelings of anger, fear or helplessness to behavioural changes such as withdrawal or disobedience. Through movement and play, our TeamUp intervention is designed to support children to process these experiences and regain trust in themselves and others. Children like David (10) in Nakivale Refugee Settlement in Uganda 🌟 This is his story: https://lnkd.in/dR98x9qb // TeamUp is currently being scaled in collaboration with partners across Uganda. In Nakivale, we work together with the Norwegian Refugee Council and Save the Children International with vital funding from the European Union | #EUCivilProtection

A mental health crisis is flaring in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. AP News recently visited our team in Goma and spoke with Isaac, our emergency response coordinator about this escalating crisis. War Child is using movement, song and play to help young people express themselves and escape the violence - even for a moment. We also offer tools to parents on how to lower stress and emotionally support their children. Read the full piece here: https://lnkd.in/eGY8Zn-a

As violence spirals across the Middle East, lesser-known conflicts are also contributing to the steady deterioration of global security. Take #Colombia for example - in the Cauca region in the southwest of the country, the situation is becoming more and more unstable. Intensifying violence by armed groups and massive displacements and confinements are putting a whole generation at risk - and disproportionately affecting indigenous communities. Through our “Mother Earth” Intercultural Project, Dixi Verónica is working to create a protective circle around young people and give them a voice. And who better to do it than a proud Nasa (Paéz) woman herself? “Nasa women are strong and continually striving to advance in our life projects”, she says. 💪

A moment of reprieve for children in #Lebanon ❤️ As part of our team’s response in the North, we are creating safe spaces for children to play, express their emotions and feel supported in order to regain a sense of normalcy.