Complex Crisis – Broken Childhoods: The grave situation for children affected by conflict and fragility in the Central Sahel

At the time of writing, the crisis in Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso is one of the fastest-growing, most rapidly deteriorating humanitarian emergencies in the world. High levels of conflict, violence, and food insecurity, along with natural disasters, public health crises, climate shocks, and extreme poverty has now been worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic. The situation is exposing children, families, and communities to serious protection risks that threaten their survival and long-term well-being. Approximately 5 million children are in urgent need of humanitarian assistance, while more than 900 000 children are displaced. 

This policy brief gives an overview of the situation for children affected by conflict and fragility in the Central Sahel.