KINSHASA, DRC | Xinhua | More than 136,000 people have fled escalating violence in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) since January, seeking refuge in neighboring Burundi and Uganda, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) said on Monday. Uganda has received nearly 67,000 new arrivals from the eastern …
Read More »UN refugee agency calls for end to sexual violence in DRC
KAMPALA, UGANDA | Xinhua | As the world commemorated the International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict on Thursday, the UN Refugee Agency called for an end to sexual violence in the war-torn eastern region of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). In a statement posted …
Read More »Why Africa must protect immigrant children from harm
Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Children in Uganda and generally the IGAD region are disproportionately affected by migration due to their vulnerability to violence, abuse and exploitation. The situation is usually exacerbated by the high level of voluntary and forced migration says Emnet Berhanu, IGAD Migrant Protection Specialist, IGAD …
Read More »Despite progress, child labour still affects 138 million children globally
Geneva, Switzerland | THE INDEPENDENT | Nearly 138 million children were engaged in child labour in 2024, including around 54 million in hazardous work likely to jeopardize their health, safety, or development, according to new estimates released by the ILO and UNICEF. The latest data show a total reduction of over …
Read More »MGLSD, UNICEF to strengthen early childhood development through webinars
Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | The Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development (MGLSD) has partnered with UNICEF to strengthen Early Childhood Development (ECD) systems through webinar series. The six-month nationwide initiative, seeks to deepen public understanding of ECD, foster multi-sectoral coordination, and drive local-level action to ensure children …
Read More »72 eco-friendly playgrounds constructed to boost play based learning
Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | 72 eco-friendly playgrounds have been constructed in the country to enhance play-based learning. UNICEF, Play Action International, together with the Ministry of Education, have built the playgrounds in several districts of Karamoja, such as Nakapiripirit, Kaabong, Kotido, Abim, Napak, Moroto, Amudat, and Nabilatuk, among …
Read More »Aggressive online baby formula campaigns must end
ANALYSIS | A global resolution on digital marketing of breast milk substitutes must be rigorously enforced, writes Afshan Khan, Assistant Secretary-General of the United Nations and coordinator of the Scaling Up Nutrition (SUN) Movement. Breastfeeding saves lives. It is one of the most powerful, proven investments in child survival, development …
Read More »The hidden menstrual hygiene crisis among middle-class women
COMMENT | SHEILA KASABIITI | When menstrual hygiene is talked about, most times, it’s framed as an issue exclusive to underserved or rural communities. However, even middle-class girls and women who may not struggle with access or affordability face significant challenges, particularly when it comes to safe and dignified …
Read More »TEENAGE PREGNANCY: UNICEF calls for collective action in Busoga
Jinja, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | The UNICEF Country Representative in Uganda, Dr. Robin Nandy, has reiterated the urgent need for all stakeholders to unite in the fight against teenage pregnancies and child marriages, particularly in the Busoga sub-region, where rates remain alarmingly high. Speaking during an engagement with educators in …
Read More »Access to safe water in Uganda remains an urgent challenge that needs action
OPINION | Lynn Nasirumbi | In Uganda today, the simple act of turning on a tap and expecting clean water remains a distant goal for many. According to UNICEF, nearly 38% of Ugandans still lack access to safe water. In rural and underserved communities, the situation is even more challenging, with …
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