In conflicts and emergencies, girls and women are often worst affected. Violence and displacement become widespread. Education and healthcare are disrupted. The risk of child marriage rises. Opportunities disappear. In times of crisis, girls’ futures are often pushed aside. Across the world, UNICEF and partners are working to protect girls’ rights, supporting their safety, education and access to services that help them build their futures.

The escalating violence in Al Fasher, Sudan, is extremely dangerous for the estimated 130,000 children who remain trapped, surrounded by heavy fighting, relentless shelling, and critical shortages of food, safe water, and medicine. Children are at risk of being separated from their families, injured and exposed to continued grave violations of their rights. We urgently call for an immediate ceasefire and safe, unimpeded humanitarian access to all affected populations. Civilians, including children, must be protected at all times. Those who wish to move to safer areas must be guaranteed safe passage, in line with international humanitarian law. Those responsible for violations must be held to account.

As the Ebola outbreak hits Kasai in DR Congo, UNICEF is delivering vaccines and life-saving support to children and their families. Learn more: unicef.link/426u8jk