An alarming 123 million school-aged children across Africa are currently impacted by ongoing humanitarian crises, with 46 million of them deprived of an education due to conflict, displacement, and violence. This disruption to their education not only jeopardizes their futures but also inflicts severe psychological trauma, leaving them vulnerable to long-term consequences. This stark reality was brought to the forefront during the African Union Annual Humanitarian Symposium, where experts and leaders gathered to discuss the urgent need for action.
H.E. Mahlaba Mamba, Eswatini’s Permanent Representative to the African Union, delivered a poignant speech emphasizing the moral responsibility of the global community to protect these children and provide them with the opportunities they deserve. According to Mamba, children and adolescents are among the most vulnerable groups affected by humanitarian crises, facing unimaginable hardships such as violence, the loss of loved ones, and forced displacement. Their physical and mental well-being is at constant risk, and with it, the future of the continent itself.
“These young lives are at risk, and it is our moral responsibility to ensure that they are not left behind,” said Mamba. “We must provide not just immediate relief, but long-term solutions that will offer them the chance to rebuild their futures.”
The statistics are staggering. In Africa alone, an estimated 123 million children are affected by ongoing humanitarian crises, with 46 million being denied access to education. This disruption of education, according to Mamba, has devastating consequences. It creates a cycle of poverty, limits employment opportunities, and hinders the development of the next generation of leaders. The trauma experienced by these children, from the violence they witness to the loss of family members, is an experience that cannot be underestimated. Their education is often the only means of escaping the hardships of war and displacement, and its disruption is a severe blow to their prospects in life.
Mamba called for a multi-faceted approach to address the root causes of these crises and to provide appropriate support to affected children. He emphasized the need for a culturally sensitive approach, one that takes into account the unique needs and circumstances of each community. “By addressing the root causes of the crises and providing cultural support, we can create an environment that fosters growth, resilience, and development for these children,” he said.
He further highlighted the importance of community involvement, recognizing the critical role that local communities play in responding to humanitarian crises. According to Mamba, empowering these communities to actively participate in child protection efforts is essential. Local knowledge, traditions, and experiences are invaluable in crafting effective and sustainable solutions to the challenges these children face.
Mamba cited Sudan as a prime example of the power of grassroots involvement in humanitarian responses. Despite the ongoing crisis in Sudan, local individuals and organizations have emerged as key actors in providing much-needed support. These grassroots organizations, driven by a deep sense of duty and compassion, have bridged gaps in humanitarian efforts, ensuring that aid reaches those who need it most.
“The brave ordinary Sudanese have shown us that even in the most challenging circumstances, local communities play a pivotal role in responding to humanitarian needs and safeguarding the well-being of children,” Mamba noted. “Their actions are a testament to the power of local knowledge and resilience in the face of adversity.”
The African Union Annual Humanitarian Symposium serves as a critical platform for discussing these pressing issues. It is a call to action for leaders, policymakers, and humanitarian organizations to collaborate more effectively in addressing the needs of Africa’s most vulnerable populations. The symposium aims to foster greater solidarity in the effort to protect children affected by conflict and humanitarian crises, ensuring they are not forgotten and that their futures are not compromised.
Mamba concluded his speech with a rallying cry for all nations to prioritize the protection of children in crisis situations. “It is our collective responsibility to safeguard these children’s futures, not just as a moral obligation, but as a vital investment in the future of our continent.”
