New Internationalist’s Post

According to the European Commission, in 2023, Europe received more than 250,000 asylum applications from unaccompanied minors, representing 24.3% of the total number of requests. The arrival of young migrants under 18 is continuously increasing, as is their disappearance from the care of host states, with at least 50,000 minors going missing. Education, dialogue, and respect for identity are the pillars for protecting and including young migrants in our society. Support MAEC - Mediterranean Aid Education Center in its education projects. Donate now: https://lnkd.in/dcmwig2t #MAEC #unaccompaniedminors #asylumseekers #europe

Ed Sheeran recently shared his reservations about being included in the 40th-anniversary version of the Band Aid single. While appreciating the incredible impact of the original project in raising funds and awareness for the famine in Ethiopia, he expressed concerns that reflect a broader conversation in global development. His perspective highlights a distinction between short-term “aid” and the more sustainable, long-term goals of “development.” This distinction continues to spark important discussions about how best to address global challenges. Benny Dembitzer, who has extensive experience in grassroots efforts, added context by discussing how Band Aid’s efforts in 1985 effectively responded to the immediate crisis caused by famine and conflict in Ethiopia. However, he pointed out that long-term development focuses on empowering local communities to create sustainable solutions and take control of their futures. Dembitzer notes that while aid often focuses on urgent relief, development requires tackling systemic issues, such as economic inequities, that can hinder progress. Sheeran’s comments and Dembitzer’s reflections underline the ongoing need to balance immediate humanitarian relief with initiatives that build resilience and self-reliance in affected regions. These discussions emphasize how collaborative efforts can evolve to address both present needs and future challenges. Great News Summary made with help from ChatGPT. https://lnkd.in/gTKQ_DWN

The demand for a change in the international relief system is increasing and inclusion of local actors seems to become more and more important. This paper by Global Mentoring Initiative provides practical tips but also questions for reflection for institutional donors, in the first place public aid administrations and some private foundations. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/dvfcRtfB

Sometimes well-meaning national or international non-profits, governments, or religious institutions operating in conflict-affected zones can end up causing more harm if not careful. That’s because humanitarian, developmental, or any other action intervening in a region affected by conflict, finds itself involved in that conflict. This means that each action taken whilst operating in the region, from buying from local suppliers to renting real estate, to simply just eating in restaurants and interacting with the local population, can influence the balance of power in the area. That’s because, without realizing, you might end up supporting one party in the conflict or even just be perceived as siding with them. Even without intending it, humanitarian or development intervention can increase the power of some involved in the conflict whilst reducing that of others. And so, unintentionally, and if left unchecked, humanitarian or development aid can aggravate existing frictions or create new tensions. So how do we prevent this from happening? 🔗 Watch our video to discover how conflict sensitivity is key to delivering assistance, all while avoiding exacerbating tensions and even helping to decrease them in some cases: https://lnkd.in/ezN3MGXz

🔵 Synergy for Justice stands in solidarity with civil society organisations worldwide and condemns the U.S. government's recent decision to freeze nearly all international aid for 90 days. This abrupt action threatens vital efforts in healthcare, education, humanitarian relief, human rights, justice, and accountability, leaving countless communities and individuals without essential support. This freeze puts grassroots organisations, particularly in conflict and post-conflict settings, at immense risk. These groups often operate on limited resources and are at the frontlines, providing urgent legal, psychological, and social support to the most vulnerable. The U.S. decision to suddenly withdraw its support threatens to destabilise global efforts toward peace, accountability, and justice at a time when these values are under increasing attack. We call on major donors and philanthropic foundations to take urgent action and bridge this funding gap. Their leadership is critical to sustaining global efforts and supporting civil societies through this crisis. This is a critical moment to step forward and ensure these fundamental values endure.

Today, UNICEF Eastern and Southern #Africa launches its 2025 regional humanitarian appeal for children, prioritizing the needs & rights of vulnerable communities living through overlapping crises including climate shocks and public health emergencies. The commitment and trust of our donors and partners have made our work in the region possible. However, several of our humanitarian programmes are critically under-funded, which jeopardizes our long-term efforts.  As we look towards 2025, we must continue to prioritize action and investment for children in the region, ensuring that every child has access to their full rights. https://lnkd.in/dt-R3BTX

Civil Registration and Vital Statistics #CRVS is more than paperwork. It’s the foundation of identity and access to essential rights and services. Our #VitalTalks event heard from experts from Bloomberg Philanthropies, UNICEF, the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development Data and the National Identification Agency (NIDA) in Rwanda about the importance of #CountingEveryone. Watch more at https://lnkd.in/eWnUxQ4E

This is a bomb shelter for Children in an orphanage here in Ukraine. #hopeandhomes is working with the authorities to get these children back to family, where they belong. And to put in place services, including emergency services, to prevent children from being separated from them in the first place, and avoid ever having to be confined in an institution. Our hybrid approach combines humanitarian help that has benefitted over 100,000 children and their families, with new family support services that fit the context, and which the government can take to scale. It ls so important that we make sure children help shape service design and the nature of the humanitarian support they need. So we had another consultation session with children and young folk today. Asking them to chat through their insights, ideas and what would make things better for them. Olha, who is 15, was very clear about her view: "parents should not sell their children". That one never ceases to land heavily with me. We have innumerable cases like this from other countries we work in ... yes, it's complex, and there is context, reasons, but never justification. Here's the thing, the result is elemental for the child, and cannot be divided or split any further. It stops at this: utter devastation. We can make the world a better place for children to grow up in.

The revelation by UNICEF that over half of the children displaced by conflict in North East Nigeria are out of school is a stark reminder of the profound impact of conflict on education. Joseph Senesie's disclosure during the International Day of Education event at the University of Maiduguri underscores the urgent need for concerted efforts to address this educational crisis. Despite the global embrace of education, the gap in reaching the most disadvantaged children, particularly in rural communities, remains vast. The theme of this year's International Day of Education, “Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Education – Preserving human agency in a world of automation,” provides a unique lens through which to explore innovative solutions to expand learning opportunities for displaced children1. UNICEF's partnership with the Borno State government to enhance digital learning through initiatives like the Nigeria Learning Passport is a commendable step towards bridging this gap. The training of over 30,000 teachers in digital literacy and pedagogical skills is a testament to the organization's commitment to leveraging technology for educational advancement1. However, the journey ahead is challenging, requiring sustained investment, collaboration, and innovation. The call to action for both government and non-governmental organizations to embrace technological change and allocate sufficient resources for digital learning is crucial for ensuring that every child has access to quality education. As we reflect on this pressing issue, let us reaffirm our commitment to supporting initiatives that prioritize the education of displaced children. By doing so, we can contribute to building a more inclusive and equitable future for all.

One of my favorite poetics by Havfy🇹🇿❤️that deeply captures the raw reality of children left to survive the streets.In the shadows of our cities, the streets have become home to millions of children, forgotten by society but not by the harsh realities they face. These children wake up each day battling hunger, exploitation, abuse, and neglect. They are denied the most basic rights—education, safety, and dignity. The streets steal their childhoods, and with every day that passes, Africa loses a piece of its future. These young souls, full of untapped potential, are the very heart of what could be a thriving, prosperous continent. Street children are not just statistics. They are dreamers, survivors, and, most importantly, children who deserve a future. Yet, the systems that should protect them are failing, while poverty, conflict, and corruption continue to breed inequality, leaving these children vulnerable. As Africa continues to rise, the question remains—how can we truly progress if we abandon the most innocent and voiceless among us? At TACOafrica, we refuse to let this be the story of our continent. We are fighting relentlessly to rewrite the narrative for these children. Our mission is to ensure that every child—no matter where they come from or what their circumstances—has the opportunity to live with dignity, access education, and grow into the leaders Africa so desperately needs. This is more than a fight for their rights—it’s a fight for the future of Africa itself. Together, we are reshaping the future for orphaned and vulnerable children across Africa, one child at a time.” #StreetChildrenMatter #FutureOfAfrica #ChildrenFirst #EndChildNeglect #ProtectTheInnocent #JusticeForAllChildren #TACOafrica #ReshapingTheFuture #OrphanedAndVulnerable #AfricaRising #EveryChildDeservesAChance #BreakingTheCycle #FightForOurFuture