“After a 14-day visit to the central Sahel, I have witnessed first-hand a region rich in possibilities, but continually affected by insecurity, climate shocks and socio-economic crises,” he said in a statement on Sunday.
The unrest in Mali exemplifies the crisis
Recent reports of violence in Mali “are Another example of the stark reminder that this type of crisis in the region creates a fragile situation for children.including, unfortunately, the loss of life,” he added.
Rebel groups in the West African country carried out a wave of coordinated attacks this past weekend, which the UN Secretary-General has condemned, while UN Emergency Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher tweeted that “Responding to humanitarian needs, protecting civilians and ensuring access to basic services is paramount..”
Hope in the midst of violence
Across the Central Sahel, more than 3.6 million people have had their lives uprooted due to violence and forced displacement, Chaiban said, but government officials, community leaders and the displaced themselves continue to show hope.
“In many rural areas, markets are reopening, communities continue to support each other and children play, as families and young people long to regain their dignity and economic independence,” he said.
Chaiban met with political leaders from the three countries who agreed that investing in people and strengthening social cohesion are essential for stability and development.
‘Everywhere, A clear ambition is emerging: to make the next generation a priority at the center of national policies.. “I was encouraged by the strong commitment of the three governments to promote and safeguard the rights of every child,” he said.
Girls who earned their high school diplomas at a village school in Mali.
Reforms in Niger, Burkina Faso and Mali
He pointed out that in NigerThe reforms promoted by the government have modernized the civil registry in more than half of all municipalities. As a result, birth registration rates rose to 79 percent last year, up from 62 percent in 2023.
Meanwhile in Burkina FasoAuthorities have allocated approximately 25 percent of the national budget to education and almost 12 percent to health, “illustrating a significant effort to expand essential social services.”
Furthermore, national vaccination coverage in Mali reached 82 percent in 2024, bringing the country closer to ensuring that all children receive life-saving vaccines.
”These policies and commitments are not just good examples. More importantly, They acquire all their meaning when we witness the positive transformation of children’s daily lives.allowing them to continue moving forward despite the difficulties they face,” he said.
Young lives at risk
However, he stressed that “the cycle of violence remains dangerously evident and the situation of children is particularly alarming.”
He remembered that The UN has documented more than 1,500 serious violations against children.including murders, kidnappings, recruitment and use by armed groups, while more than 8,400 schools were inaccessible in 2025 alone.
Mr. Chaiban explained that lack of access to education and essential services exposes young people to illness and psychosocial distress, while undermining their chances of experiencing full and healthy development.
“Everyone I met during my visit shared the same concern: to provide better protection for children and families, restore peace, enable access to healthcare and education, and ensure a safe return home,” he said.
UNICEF support
The senior official was also encouraged by UNICEF teams on the ground who are committed to protecting children’s rights across the Sahel. They also support governments, including in the areas of health, water, education and protection.
”I’ve seen that Our response is most effective when it reinforces resilience by strengthening local systems, empowering communities and fostering inclusive governance.always guaranteeing that children’s voices are heard and taken into account,” he stated.
Chaiban concluded his statement by urging the international community not to ignore the plight of children across the region.
“In the face of the resilience of children in the Sahel, the world must not turn a blind eye; there are still millions of children with urgent humanitarian needs that require immediate action,” he said.
“Their resilience does not mean they are okay nor should it be used as an excuse not to act.”