This statement summarizes the results of a 14-day tour to the Central Sahel, which revealed a region characterized by severe socioeconomic difficulties, ongoing insecurity, climate shocks, and a great deal of humanitarian need, especially for children. In Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, continued conflict, displacement, and school destruction continue to jeopardize education, health, and development outcomes, and almost 7.5 million children need immediate support. The report highlights significant government commitments to improvements in civil registration, education, health, and child protection, as well as indications of community resilience and recovery in spite of adverse circumstances. However, significant disruption of vital services and ongoing abuses against children highlight how fragile progress is. The declaration emphasizes that children’s resilience must not overshadow the necessity of addressing structural vulnerabilities and restoring access to essential services and security, and it urges for continued international attention and action.
The enduring resilience of children of the Central Sahel in the midst of crisis