UNICEF Deputy Executive Director Ted Chaibon issued the warning after traveling to Niger, Burkina Faso and Mali.
“After a 14-day visit to the Central Sahel, I have seen a region rich with potential, yet persistently affected by insecurity, climate shocks and socio-economic crises,” he said. a statement On Sunday.
Mali’s turmoil is an example of crisis
There are recent reports of violence in Mali This is another example of a clear reminder that such crises in the region create fragile situations for children.Which tragically includes the loss of their lives,” he said.
Rebel groups in the West African country carried out a wave of coordinated attacks last weekend, the UN secretary-general said have condemnedWhile UN emergency relief coordinator Tom Fletcher Tweeted He “Responding to humanitarian needs, protecting civilians and ensuring access to basic services is paramount”
hope amidst violence
In the Central Sahel, more than 3.6 million people have lost their lives due to violence and forced displacement, yet government officials, community leaders and displaced persons themselves are showing hope, Mr. Chaiban said.
“In many rural areas, markets are reopening, communities continue to support each other, and children are playing, while families and youth are eager to regain their dignity and economic independence,” he said.
Mr Chaiban met political leaders from the three countries who agreed that investing in people and strengthening social cohesion is essential for stability and development.
‘Everywhere, A clear ambition is emerging: to put the next generation at the center of national policies.. “I am encouraged by the strong commitment of our three governments to advance and protect the rights of every child,” he said.
Young girls who have earned high school diplomas from a village school in Mali.
Improvement in Niger, Burkina Faso, Mali
He said that in this nigerGovernment-led reforms have modernized civil registration in more than half of all municipalities. As a result, the birth registration rate increased to 79 percent last year, from 62 percent in 2023.
in the meanwhile Burkina FasoAuthorities have allocated about 25 percent of the national budget to education and about 12 percent to health, which “reflects a significant effort to increase essential social services.”
Furthermore, national vaccination coverage gardener Reaching 82 percent in 2024, thus bringing the country closer to ensuring that every child receives life-saving vaccines.
“These policies and commitments are not just good examples. more importantly, Children gain their full meaning when we see positive changes in their daily lives.Which allows them to move forward despite the difficulties they face,” he said.
The lives of youth are in danger
Nevertheless, he underlined that “the cycle of violence is still alarmingly evident, and the situation of children is particularly worrying.”
he missed her The UN has documented more than 1,500 grave violations against childrenThat includes killing, kidnapping, and recruitment and use by armed groups, while more than 8,400 schools were made inaccessible in 2025 alone.
Mr. Chaiban explained that lack of access to education and essential services exposes youth to illness and psychosocial distress, while reducing their chances of experiencing full and healthy development.
“Everyone I met during my visit expressed the same concerns: providing better protection for children and families, restoring peace, enabling access to health care and education, and guaranteeing a safe return home,” he said.
UNICEF support
The top official was also pleased with the UNICEF teams on the ground who are committed to protecting the rights of children across the Sahel. They also support governments in the areas of health, water, education and security.
“I have seen that Our response is most effective when it builds resilience by strengthening local systems, empowering communities and promoting inclusive governanceAlways ensuring that children’s voices are heard and taken into account,” he said.
Mr. Chaiban concluded his remarks by urging the international community not to ignore the plight of children throughout the region.
“Given the resilience of children in the Sahel, the world must not turn a blind eye; there are still millions of children facing urgent humanitarian needs that require urgent action,” he said.
“Their resilience does not mean they are OK nor should it be used as an excuse for inaction.”
