In Omdurman’s Al-Nao Educational Hospital, volunteers work as nurses, paramedics and pharmacists, often rushing to bomb sites to help victims.

Community kitchens known as “takkaya” provide free meals to families facing hunger, while local burial teams recover unidentified bodies and conduct funerals during ongoing shelling.

Many of these volunteers emerged from Sudan’s resistance committees, neighborhood groups that once led protests against former president Omar al-Bashir.

Despite reduced donations and constant danger, residents say they continue because basic survival in the war-torn capital depends on them.“We could leave tomorrow, but our country needs us,” one volunteer said.

Haiti is facing a multi-layered humanitarian emergency marked by escalating armed violence, institutional breakdown and worsening food insecurity, with children bearing the brunt of the crisis, according to data and operational updates released by UNICEF.

The agency describes the situation as a “polycrisis,” where overlapping shocks have pushed already fragile systems close to collapse.Even before the latest deterioration, Haiti was the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere, shaped by decades of limited access to basic services, deep inequality and persistent social exclusion.

These structural challenges have intensified as armed groups expand their control, particularly in the capital, Port-au-Prince, and surrounding regions such as the Artibonite department. According to UNICEF, these groups are engaged in territorial conflicts that have disrupted transport corridors, restricted economic activity and impeded the delivery of humanitarian assistance.

The breakdown of security has had direct consequences for essential services. Health systems in several parts of the country are described as being on the brink of collapse, with facilities rendered inaccessible due to insecurity. UNICEF reports that thousands of families are unable to reach healthcare providers, while staff shortages and rising demand further strain the limited capacity that remains.

Displacement has compounded these pressures, as families fleeing violence seek refuge in areas already struggling to maintain basic services.By the end of 2025, an estimated 1.4 million people had been internally displaced, approximately half of them children. This movement of populations has intensified vulnerabilities, particularly among children who face heightened risks of malnutrition, interrupted education and exposure to violence.

UNICEF estimates that 2.6 million children in Haiti required humanitarian assistance at the start of 2026, reflecting the scale of need across the country.Food insecurity has reached critical levels. Nearly 5.7 million people, representing more than half the population, are experiencing or are projected to experience acute food insecurity.

Among them are approximately 1.2 million children under the age of five, a group particularly vulnerable to life-threatening malnutrition. UNICEF indicates that hunger is most severe in densely populated and insecure urban areas, where access to food, healthcare and social services has been severely disrupted.The education sector has also been significantly affected.

Armed violence, including attacks on schools and threats against educators, has led to widespread closures and intermittent reopening of institutions. During the 2024–2025 academic year, more than 1,600 schools were reported closed, affecting around 7,500 teachers and disrupting learning for over 240,000 students.

UNICEF notes that beyond formal education, schools in Haiti often serve as critical support systems, providing meals and a sense of stability for children living in volatile environments.The impact of the crisis on children extends beyond disrupted services. UNICEF reports that children are increasingly exposed to violence, including being killed or injured while traveling to school.

Women and girls face heightened risks of sexual violence, while children are at risk of recruitment into armed groups. In some cases, children are coerced into joining such groups due to economic desperation or threats against their families. Others join after being separated from caregivers, seeking protection or means of survival.

Humanitarian conditions are further complicated by recurring climate-related shocks, which add to the strain on already weakened systems. While specific events are not detailed in the latest update, UNICEF identifies climate-related disruptions as a contributing factor to the broader crisis dynamics, particularly in terms of food security and displacement.

In response, UNICEF states that it is scaling up its operations despite the volatile environment. Working with government authorities and partners, the agency is attempting to sustain essential services at national, regional and local levels. In areas where access is particularly constrained, efforts are focused on maintaining neighborhood-level systems that can deliver basic support to affected populations.

UNICEF reports that its interventions include the delivery of vaccines and therapeutic food, as well as initiatives to improve access to safe water, sanitation and hygiene. The agency is also prioritizing psychosocial support for children affected by violence and displacement, alongside protection services for victims of gender-based violence and unaccompanied minors.

Education remains a key focus of the response. UNICEF is distributing school kits and advocating for the protection of educational facilities, urging all parties involved in the conflict to refrain from actions that undermine children’s access to learning.

A nationwide cash transfer program has been introduced to support families, with the aim of enabling children to return to school and reducing economic pressures that may lead to child labor or recruitment into armed groups.

At the policy level, UNICEF is calling for an end to violations against children, including killings, recruitment into armed groups and sexual violence. The agency is urging armed groups to cease attacks on civilian infrastructure, release children from their ranks and allow safe access for humanitarian operations.

It is also calling on security forces to prioritize child protection and on government authorities and international partners to invest in social services that address the needs of children across sectors.The operational environment remains highly constrained. UNICEF notes that ongoing violence continues to obstruct humanitarian access, limiting the ability of aid organizations to reach affected populations consistently.

Despite these challenges, the agency maintains that sustaining basic services and protection mechanisms is critical to mitigating the long-term impact of the crisis on Haiti’s children.

One year after a 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck central Myanmar on 28 March 2025, humanitarian agencies report a continued focus on addressing the psychological impact on children affected by both natural disaster and pre-existing conflict-driven displacement.

The earthquake caused widespread disruption across multiple regions, including parts of Shan State, where communities around Inle Lake in Nyaungshwe Township experienced structural damage to homes and shelters. Many families who had already been displaced due to ongoing conflict were forced to endure additional instability following the tremors and subsequent aftershocks.

Tun Myar, a 16-year-old displaced from Loikaw, was living with relatives under a monastery structure at the time of the earthquake. She reported that the building began to sway during the tremors, prompting her to flee outside before losing consciousness. Following the incident, she described experiencing persistent fear and emotional distress, consistent with patterns observed among other children in the affected communities.

According to field accounts, many families avoided returning indoors in the immediate aftermath due to concerns about structural collapse during aftershocks. Temporary arrangements, including makeshift tarpaulin shelters, became common. Nighttime conditions were reported to be particularly difficult, as minor environmental sounds often triggered panic responses among children who associated them with renewed seismic activity.

Local observations indicate that the earthquake compounded pre-existing vulnerabilities among displaced populations. Tun Myar, who had previously experienced family separation and loss, reported that the disaster intensified existing psychological strain. She described withdrawing socially, experiencing sleep disruption, and showing signs of prolonged anxiety.

Similar behavioral patterns have been noted among other children in the area, particularly those with prior exposure to conflict and displacement.Caregivers in affected communities have attempted to support children through informal coping mechanisms, including communal gatherings and recreational activities.

However, humanitarian agencies report that many parents lack the resources or guidance to address sustained psychological distress, highlighting the need for structured intervention.In response, UNICEF and its local partners have implemented child protection programmes across southern Shan State, focusing on psychosocial support and the establishment of child-friendly spaces.

These interventions are designed to provide structured environments where children can engage in supervised activities, interact with peers, and gradually re-establish a sense of routine.At designated safe spaces in Nyaungshwe Township, children participate in organized activities such as drawing, games, and group exercises facilitated by trained staff and youth volunteers.

Field reports indicate that these sessions aim to reduce anxiety and promote social reintegration, particularly for children who have become withdrawn following the earthquake.Tun Myar reported that participation in these activities contributed to a measurable change in her behavior. She stated that she gradually regained confidence and now takes on a leadership role in group sessions, assisting facilitators and encouraging younger participants.

Her experience reflects a broader trend identified by programme coordinators, who note that peer engagement and structured interaction can support recovery in post-disaster contexts.Another case documented in the same community involves Pan Lay Pyay, aged 13, who resides with her mother in temporary shelter conditions beneath a monastery structure.

The earthquake further weakened their already fragile living environment, increasing economic and social pressures on the household. Her mother, Daw Hla Hla Aye, reported difficulties in securing daily-wage employment and meeting education-related expenses.Despite these constraints, she observed that participation in child-focused programmes had a positive effect on her daughter’s well-being. She indicated that visible improvements in her child’s mood and engagement provided reassurance regarding her ability to continue education under challenging circumstances.

According to programme data, the interventions extend beyond recreational activities to include case management services, parenting sessions, and awareness initiatives addressing child protection risks. Mental health and psychosocial support components are integrated into these services, reflecting a broader shift toward comprehensive recovery strategies in humanitarian response.

One year after the earthquake, aid agencies report that the combined effects of natural disasters and ongoing conflict continue to shape living conditions in affected areas. In southern Shan State, recovery efforts are further complicated by additional environmental events, including flooding, which have prolonged displacement for many families.Officials involved in the response indicate that child-friendly spaces remain a central component of ongoing support efforts.

These facilities are intended not only to address immediate psychological needs but also to contribute to longer-term resilience by fostering social cohesion and restoring a degree of normalcy in disrupted environments.Humanitarian partners attribute the continuation of these programmes to financial and logistical support from international donors, although specific funding levels were not detailed.

The emphasis on sustained engagement reflects recognition that recovery from trauma, particularly among children, requires extended intervention beyond the initial emergency phase.Field observations suggest that participation in structured activities has enabled some children to re-engage with peers and rebuild confidence following the earthquake.

Programme facilitators report that consistent attendance and active involvement are indicators of gradual improvement, although outcomes vary depending on individual circumstances and prior exposure to stress.Tun Myar’s transition from a withdrawn participant to a group leader illustrates the potential impact of targeted interventions when sustained over time.

She expressed an intention to complete her education and pursue a career in medicine, indicating a shift toward future-oriented thinking following her involvement in the programme.While immediate physical risks associated with the earthquake have subsided, humanitarian assessments emphasize that psychological recovery remains ongoing.

The persistence of displacement, combined with economic uncertainty and prior conflict exposure, continues to influence the pace and extent of recovery among affected populations.

The attacks disrupted electricity supplies across large parts of the country, particularly in western regions, yet emergency services, engineers, and local authorities moved swiftly to stabilize essential infrastructure and protect civilians.

Despite the scale of the assault, Ukrainian air defenses intercepted the majority of incoming drones and missiles, highlighting the growing effectiveness of the country’s defensive capabilities and coordination with international partners.

Energy workers operated under difficult conditions to restore power, demonstrating the resilience of Ukraine’s critical services and their ability to adapt quickly in times of crisis.

Communities across affected regions showed unity and calm, with local administrations opening warming centers, shelters, and emergency facilities to support residents during temporary outages.

Ukrainian leadership emphasized the importance of global cooperation, calling on international partners to continue diplomatic engagement and reinforce pressure aimed at achieving a lasting and just peace.

Neighboring countries monitored the situation closely, reflecting broader regional vigilance and commitment to stability, while reinforcing the importance of collective security across Europe.

Humanitarian organizations and volunteers mobilized rapidly, providing medical aid, psychological support, and essential supplies to those affected by the strikes.

The attacks came amid renewed diplomatic discussions involving global stakeholders, underscoring that dialogue remains central even as challenges persist on the ground.

Ukraine’s energy sector, frequently targeted during the conflict, continues to adapt through decentralization, repairs, and investments in resilience, ensuring that recovery efforts move forward despite repeated disruptions.

Officials stressed that protecting civilians and maintaining essential services remain top priorities, with emergency protocols refined after years of experience managing similar situations.

International partners reiterated support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and reconstruction efforts, emphasizing long-term assistance for infrastructure protection and energy security.

The rapid restoration of services in several regions reflected lessons learned from earlier disruptions and highlighted the dedication of technical teams working around the clock.

While the human cost of the conflict remains deeply felt, moments of solidarity and collective response continue to shape Ukraine’s national narrative of perseverance.

Civic engagement also played a key role, with citizens cooperating closely with authorities, following safety guidance, and supporting vulnerable groups during outages.

The situation reinforced the importance of safeguarding energy systems, accelerating modernization efforts, and strengthening regional cooperation on infrastructure security.

Ukraine’s response demonstrated that even amid adversity, institutions, communities, and international allies can work together to reduce harm and sustain hope.

As winter approaches, preparedness measures are being expanded to ensure heating, healthcare, and transportation systems remain functional under all circumstances.

The events served as a reminder of the resilience embedded within Ukrainian society and the continued commitment of global partners to support stability, recovery, and peace.