CONVENTION DE L’UNION AFRICAINE SUR LA FIN DES VIOLENCES FAITES AUX FEMMES ET AUX FILLES VERSION ADAPTÉE AUX ENFANTS

On a sunny Wednesday, the narrator visited Nkunamo Village with a music producer to record a traditional troupe called Inyamamare. Welcomed by drums and melodies, they found a joyful and eager group of 44 members (15 men and 29 women) known for performing at community events. Beyond singing and dancing, the troupe writes its own songs, including three that highlight the impact of World Vision Rwanda on their lives and community.

As Africa experiences rapid digital expansion and increased AI integration across education, communication, and social platforms, children are entering online spaces faster than laws, institutions, and protection systems can adapt. This convening reflects Africa’s commitment to ensuring that digital transformation and AI innovation advance children’s safety, dignity, and development,” the organisers noted. “Child online safety is emerging as one of the defining governance responsibilities of the digital age.

Across MEER, conflict, climate shocks, and economic crises are destroying livelihoods. World Vision is helping vulnerable families rebuild resilience and hope in 15 countries.

World Vision is influencing the adoption and implementation of policies relating to FGM in Kenya, Sudan, Somalia and Sudan. The policy brief highlights strategic policy recommendations targeting national governments, regional institutions donors faith and community leaders.

World Vision Armenia, active since 1988, delivers aid and development via six offices, supports 500,000 children, strengthens systems, drives policy, and builds resilient communities.

The escalation of hostilities in Lebanon has now entered day 15, while regional tensions linked to the wider conflict continued for 17 days, with no immediate indication of de-escalation. Evacuation orders continue to expand across South Lebanon, Beirut, Mount Lebanon, and the Bekaa Valley, with warnings issued by the country to the south instructing residents to evacuate and indicating that return will not be permitted until further notice. Reports state that entire families who chose to remain in their homes in some affected areas have been killed during strikes, highlighting the severe protection risks facing civilians. In recent days, strikes have increasingly targeted critical infrastructure and transport routes, including two key bridges connecting major towns in South Lebanon, further disrupting civilian movement and humanitarian access. Trucks transporting goods are reportedly warned not to move along the southern coastal road, further constraining assistance delivery. Airstrikes also impacted central Beirut and residential areas in Mount Lebanon, reflecting the continued expansion of hostilities beyond traditional frontline zones. Meanwhile, displacement continues to rise, and shelter capacity remains under severe strain. With collective shelters overcrowded or at full capacity, many displaced families have been forced to seek alternative arrangements, including unfinished buildings, informal shelters, and makeshift tents along the coastal Corniche from Saida to Beirut. Recent heavy rainstorms and falling temperatures have further worsened conditions, destroying displacement tents and flooding temporary sites, leaving displaced households exposed to harsh weather and heightened risks. The prolonged escalation is also contributing to pockets of civil unrest, as well as heightened social tensions in several areas, with growing fears among communities that prolonged displacement and political polarization could increase the risk of localized sectarian tensions.

World Vision Lebanon’s response plan outlines a coordinated, multi-sectoral intervention, supporting displaced children and families across the country.

Lebanon has now entered its fifth week of escalation since 2 March 2026, marking one month of sustained hostilities, continued regional spillover, and no clear trajectory towards de-escalation. Strikes are increasingly affecting areas previously considered relatively safe, signalling an expanding conflict footprint and heightened risks for civilians. Incidents affecting media personnel, including the killing of three journalists, further underscore growing protection concerns. In the south, damage to critical transport routes has effectively isolated an estimated 150,000 people, with reports indicating worsening shortages of essential goods, including medication. In areas such as Rmeish, where residents have largely remained, the withdrawal of the Lebanese Armed Forces has further diminished the security presence, increasing protection risks for civilians. The operating environment for humanitarian actors continues to deteriorate. Access remains constrained due to insecurity, infrastructure damage, and movement restrictions, particularly in South Lebanon, Baalbek–Hermel, and Beirut’s southern suburbs. Attacks affecting healthcare are raising serious protection concerns, with at least 64 reported incidents impacting health facilities, personnel, and emergency services, resulting in at least 51 deaths and forcing the closure or reduced functionality of key facilities. These dynamics are significantly limiting access to life-saving care and undermining the reach, predictability, and effectiveness of the humanitarian response. During his visit to Lebanon this week, Tom Fletcher, Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, called for expanded humanitarian access and reiterated the need to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure in line with International Humanitarian Law. Discussions with national authorities and partners highlighted severe access constraints, mounting pressure on responders, and the need for sustained international engagement.