War Child

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.

Cash transfers are widely considered as one of the most effective forms of aid. But how do we ensure we deliver cash in a safe and dignified manner to those in need? That’s why we’ve created a set of minimum standards that any organisation can adopt when delivering cash assistance. While broader sector standards exist, there have been no specific criteria to date for cash assistance. We hope that these standards act as a next step towards safeguarding the autonomy and dignity of the people we support 🙏 #HumanitarianAid

We have a historic opportunity to end violence against children. In less than a month, our CEO, Rob Williams along with other War Child representatives will join governments, civil society, children, young people, survivors and donors to: 🔵 Elevate the issue of violence against children on the global agenda 🔵 Share and celebrate national success stories 🔵 Make ambitious commitments to ending violence against children Learn more about the First Global Ministerial Conference on Ending Violence Against Children and join us in making this a pivotal year! 👉 https://lnkd.in/dg9Btwjy #EveryChildProtected #EndViolence

Again, a school in Gaza sheltering children and civilians has this morning been struck by Israeli shelling. Again, children are among those killed. Children must never be targets, and yet. Again. This impunity must end. States must hold Israel accountable for its repeated breaches of international law.

Last week, our Middle East Director, Flutra Gorana spoke to BBC News about the impact of the escalating violence in Lebanon on children. She also spoke about how War Child has been preparing for a regional escalation. “We have enough supplies to last us for a couple of months. If the situation worsens; if they close the airport, then things will really go downhill.” One week later, intensifying Israeli airstrikes and attacks on densely populated areas, including in Beirut, are seeing her worst fears come to life. We need a permanent #CeasefireNOW ⚠️