Creating safe spaces for Ethiopian refugee children in Sudan

In the refugee camp of Um Rakoba in Gedarif state is one colourful spot. The child-friendly space, supported by UNICEF, is providing Ethiopian refugee children with some safety and psychosocial support.

UNICEF-supported child-friendly spaces are safe spaces set up in the refugee camps and reception centers to help support and protect children. Their objective is to restore a sense of normality and continuity to children whose lives have been disrupted by the conflict in Ethiopia. They provide children with opportunities to develop, play and learn in a safe, and stimulating environment.  

The child-friendly spaces give children an opportunity to escape the crowded living conditions in the refugee camps. As they are supervised, they also provide parents child-free time that can be necessary for fetching water, earning a living, or other activities. These spaces provide children and parents alike with a much-needed escape from stress and any trauma caused by the ongoing emergencies.