Protecting children in West and Central Africa
Helping children affected by violence build back better lives
Highlights
Major humanitarian crises continue to unfold across the West and Central Africa region (WCAR). 57.5 million children are in need of humanitarian assistance, a figure that has almost doubled since 2020, due to a surge in armed conflict and the COVID-19 pandemic. As the world commemorates the 25th anniversary of the Graça Machel Report, "The Impact of Armed Conflict on Children", UNICEF in West and Central Africa is launching the advocacy note, "Build Back Better Lives," to further shed light on this issue.
This advocacy note reveals the protection concerns children in the region face, explains how UNICEF monitors grave violations against children in WCAR, and highlights the impact of these violations on children as well as how UNICEF is supporting them in building back better lives.
Files available for download
A glimpse into grave violations against children in West and Central Africa
In West and Central Africa, conflict continues to have a dramatic impact on the survival, well-being and development of children. Over the past years the region has seen more conflict and adverse consequences on civilians. The COVID-19 pandemic has also exacerbated the vulnerabilities of children, due to the disruption of key social services leaving children at greater risks of violence, including grave violations.
Between 2005 and 2020, 1 out of 4 United Nations verified grave violations against children in the world was committed in West and Central Africa. In 2020 alone, over 6,400 children were victims of one or more grave violations in the region. One in three victims was a girl.
Grave violations have a multidimensional impact on children affected by armed conflicts.
UNICEF has been working with governments, local authorities and partners to strengthen the monitoring and reporting mechanism, support the release and reintegration of children from armed forces and non-state armed groups, reunite separated children with their families, provide mental health and psychosocial care for conflict-affected children, and provide care for survivors of sexual and gender-based violence.
Meet the children building back a better life
Read their stories
Join the conversation on social media by using the hashtag #BuildBackBetterLives
