Female genital mutilation (FGM) in Somalia: A harsh daily reality for many girls

Posted on Posted in Children's Rights, Exploitation, Health, violence

Female genital mutilation (FGM) remains widespread in Somalia, affecting nearly all women and girls. It is deeply rooted in cultural, social, and religious traditions, with strong pressure from families and communities, especially around marriage. Some regional laws and advocacy efforts are challenging the practice, but enforcement is uneven, and there is still no national law […]

Youth mental health crisis and rising suicide rates in New Zealand

Posted on Posted in Children's Rights, Health

In 2025, New Zealand recorded the highest child suicide rate of any wealthy country. Families across Aotearoa continue to lose young people despite years of public debate and attempts at reform. The problem is part of a wider mental health crisis: recent international surveys show New Zealand children and teenagers report some of the lowest […]

Progress and challenges in ending female genital mutilation (FGM) in The Gambia

Posted on Posted in Children's Rights, Exploitation, Health, Human Rights, violence

Female genital mutilation (FGM) remains one of the most pressing child protection concerns in The Gambia. Often carried out during infancy or early childhood, the practice inflicts irreversible harm on young girls, threatening their health, survival, and dignity due to entrenched cultural norms. Although The Gambia has made notable progress in advocacy and legal reform, […]

Addressing child sexual abuse material in the Netherlands

Posted on Posted in Children's Rights, Digital Environment, Exploitation, Human Rights

Child sexual abuse material (CSAM) remains a serious concern in the Netherlands, with implications that extend well beyond its borders. The country’s advanced digital infrastructure and central role in global internet traffic have made it both a leader in combating online crime and a target for criminal networks. Consequently, the Netherlands has earned international recognition […]

Children face sexual abuse amid ongoing conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo

Posted on Posted in Children's Rights, Exploitation, Health, Human Rights, violence

The eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is experiencing a surge in child sexual abuse amid ongoing armed conflict. The region, particularly North and South Kivu, has become the epicentre of a humanitarian disaster where sexual violence is systematically deployed as a weapon of war, specifically targeting children. Despite international humanitarian law explicitly prohibiting […]

Japan steps towards free high school education for all

Posted on Posted in Children's Rights, Education

A new chapter has begun in Japan’s educational history: high school education is now free for all students, regardless of household income. This landmark reform, effective since April 2025, stems from a historic parliamentary agreement and is expected to have far-reaching implications for students, their families, and the nation’s future. It marks a transformative moment […]

Thailand’s air pollution crisis threatens children’s health, development, and education

Posted on Posted in Children's Rights, Education, Health

Thailand’s air pollution crisis is no longer just an environmental issue—it has become a full-scale public health emergency, with children at its epicentre. Every day, millions of Thai children inhale toxic air, putting their health, development, and future at serious risk. Driven by urban smog, agricultural burning, and industrial emissions, the crisis has turned breathing […]

The current teenage pregnancy crisis in the Philippines

Posted on Posted in Children's Rights, Exploitation, Health, Human Rights, Poverty

Teenage pregnancy remains a pressing issue in the Philippines, with profound consequences for young mothers, their children, and society as a whole. The crisis disproportionately impacts out-of-school youth and girls from impoverished families, as poverty, a lack of education, and limited access to health services increase their vulnerability. Despite ongoing efforts, the country continues to […]

The current state of child labour in cobalt mines in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

Posted on Posted in Children's Rights, Exploitation, Health, Human Rights, Labour, Poverty

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is home to over 50% of the world’s cobalt reserves. Cobalt is an essential mineral for rechargeable batteries used in electric vehicles, smartphones, and renewable energy technologies. However, this critical resource comes at a staggering human cost: the exploitation of child labour in artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM). […]

Water crisis in Niger threatens children’s health and education

Posted on Posted in Children's Rights, Education, Health, Poverty

Niger is grappling with a severe water crisis that has left many children without access to clean drinking water and proper sanitation. Climate change, desertification, and weak infrastructure worsen water scarcity, putting children’s health and education at risk. As preventable diseases and malnutrition rise, the lack of WASH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene) services continues to […]