The Hindu National
중도 성향
기타
Palakkad school launches year-long environmental literacy programme
Students to assess household carbon footprints as part of United Nations-backed Race to Zero campaign
"LITERACY" · 총 22건
필터 보기현재 지수
50.3
0 = 부정 우세
50 = 중립
100 = 긍정 우세
최근 7일 기준 84,905건을 분석한 결과, 뉴스 심리지수는 50.2(균형)입니다. 긍정 4,230건(5.0%)·중립 78,571건(92.5%)·부정 2,104건(2.5%)이며, 중립 비중이 뚜렷하게 높습니다. 성향 지수는 종합 14.8(중도 균형)입니다.
Students to assess household carbon footprints as part of United Nations-backed Race to Zero campaign
Compendium recognises Digi Kerala digital literacy project, Universal Palliative Care initiatives and K-SMART digital service delivery applications as best practices from Kerala
"If you have a smartphone and you have an app, you can now engage in not just financial transactions, but an entire virtual community anywhere in the world," said Caroline Pham.
MANILA, Philippines — Senate President Pro Tempore Loren Legarda, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Basic Education, has led the push for education reforms. That is in hopes to finally allow the optimization and rationalization of Schools Division Offices, and modernization of the Adopt‑a‑School program to draw stronger private sector and community support. She also
MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., and Education Secretary Sonny Angara on Tuesday led an inspection of Brigada Eskwela activities at Kapitbahayan Elementary School, highlighting the administration’s efforts to improve campus safety and strengthen literacy programs ahead of the opening of classes. Joined by Social Welfare Secretary Rex Gatchalian, Marcos toured the school
Actor Kelsey Grammer backs Spencer Pratt for LA mayor and explains why he enrolled his youngest child in a Trump account for financial literacy.
The plans have several goals, but Education Minister Claire Johnson says the major focus is on improving the province's literacy and numeracy scores as well as student well-being.
A TIAA-Stanford University survey found that fewer people can correctly answer questions involving basic financial concepts. See how you fare.
A military official from Pakistan has said that the country’s “resolute response” to India during the May 2025 conflict had effectively debunked the notion of space for war in South Asia. Commander I Corps Lieutenant General Nauman Zakria made these remarks during a special session at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore on Saturday. In May 2025, a four-day conflict between Pakistan and India was sparked by an attack on tourists in occupied Kashmir, which New Delhi, without evidence, linked with Pakistan. Islamabad strongly denied responsibility while calling for a neutral investigation. After New Delhi launched deadly air strikes in Punjab and Azad Kashmir on May 7, Pakistan said it downed five Indian planes in air-to-air combat, later raising the tally to eight. After tit-for-tat strikes on each other’s airbases, it took American intervention on May 10 for both sides to finally reach a ceasefire. Speaking at the Shangri-La conference, Lieutenant General Zakria said strategic stability in South Asia remained shaped by nuclear deterrence, conventional asymmetry, enduring political tensions, and unresolved territorial and ideological disputes between India and Pakistan. And despite the complexities of great power contestation, China constituted a constructive and stabilising factor, contributing to strategic balance, regional connectivity and economic cooperation, he added. Lt Gen Zakria said the May 2025 conflict demonstrated Pakistan’s effective multi-domain operations, which were enabled by tri-service synergy, integrated use of cyber, electronic warfare, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, space-based capabilities and synergetic information manoeuvre, generating cross-domain effects. “Pakistan’s resolute response has effectively debunked the notion of space for war in South Asia,” he said. “Postconlict dynamics have further constrained the prospects for conventional war. However, continued Indian militarisation coupled with persistent adversarial rhetoric and absence of robust crisis management mechanisms continue to undermine regional stability,” he added. In this evolving environment, he said, South Asia’s strategic equilibrium was increasingly contingent upon escalation control and effective crisis communication frameworks. “Navigating the complex challenges of a fast-transforming geopolitical environment warrants a shift from competition-only postures to cooperative risk management across multiple domains, while remaining committed to upholding international norms,” he stressed. Firstly, he said, states must prioritise responsible governance of emerging technologies. “Technological innovation cannot be divorced from ethical responsibility and strategic accountability.” States should work towards internationally accepted norms regarding the military use of artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, cyber operations and space technologies. Human oversight must remain central in decisions involving the use of force, especially in systems with strategic implications, he said. Lt Gen Zakria added that confidence-building measures, transparency mechanisms and technical dialogues among states were essential to reduce misunderstanding and prevent destabilising arms races. Secondly, he said, institutionalised crisis management mechanisms and strategic communication channels needed to be strengthened, he said. “Even during periods of geopolitical rivalry, dialogue must never collapse. History repeatedly demonstrates that strategic stability is preserved not only through deterrence but through communication as well.” Thirdly, he said, nations needed to collaborate in codifying norms regarding space testing, prohibitions on attacks on civilian infrastructure, and human oversight requirements for autonomous weapon systems. “Norms do not discourage competitiveness, but they do set boundaries that make deterrence more calculable. “International law and multilateral institutions must be adaptive to emerging realities. Technological transformation is outpacing our existing institutional and legal frameworks,” he said. Lt Gen Zakria said that strengthening global cooperation on cyber governance, responsible AI development, space security, digital ethics and information integrity was imperative to maintaining the geostrategic equilibrium. “No country, regardless of its size or technological sophistication, can manage the emerging multifaceted risks alone. The challenges we face are transnational by nature and therefore require collaborative responses,” he asserted. Moreover, strategic stability was not only about military capability but also about societal endurance, he pointed out. “Countries must strengthen cyber resilience, protect critical infrastructure, improve digital and technical literacy and build institutional credibility. “Public trust is a strategic asset. Resilient societies are far less vulnerable to external manipulation and internal destabilisation through misinformation, polarisation, and technological disruption,” he said. At its core, strategic stability was ultimately about responsible statecraft, he added. “Technology itself is not inherently destabilising. But the real challenge lies in how technologies are governed, integrated, and employed. Human judgement, political wisdom, and international cooperation for the greater good remain indispensable. “We must resist the temptation for the greater good. We must resist the temptation to view every technological breakthrough solely through the lens of competition and militarisation, rather as a function of balance between innovation and responsibility, national security and global stability, strategic competition and collective survival,” he said. Lt Gen Zakria added, “Let us remember that peace and stability have never been involuntary outcomes of technological progression. They have always depended on political responsibility, strategic restraint and sustained international engagement.” Earlier in his address, he said the operationalisation of the emerging domains alongside the legacy domains had significantly complicated the strategic stability landscape. “Rapid advances in AI, autonomous systems, cyber capabilities, quantum technologies, and multi-domain operations are transforming military decision making, command and control structures, and strategic competition, while simultaneously introducing new vulnerabilities, risks of miscalculations, attribution challenges, and unintended escalation,” he said. As states, societies, and critical infrastructures become increasingly dependent on interconnected technological ecosystems, the erosion of predictability and compression of decision-making timelines were fundamentally reshaping the nature of inter-state conflict and strategic deterrence, he added. Lt Gen Zakria said the information was becoming increasingly fragmented, as digital platforms, AI-generated content, and disinformation campaigns eroded trust, distorted narratives and compressed decision-making timelines. “In this evolving landscape, the control of information and data integrity has emerged as a critical determinant of strategic stability, alongside conventional military balance,” he stressed.
A military official from Pakistan has said that the country’s “resolute response” to India during the May 2025 conflict had effectively debunked the notion of space for war in South Asia. Commander I Corps Lieutenant General Nauman Zakria made these remarks during a special session at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore on Saturday. In May 2025, a four-day conflict between Pakistan and India was sparked by an attack on tourists in occupied Kashmir, which New Delhi, without evidence, linked with Pakistan. Islamabad strongly denied responsibility while calling for a neutral investigation. After New Delhi launched deadly air strikes in Punjab and Azad Kashmir on May 7, Pakistan said it downed five Indian planes in air-to-air combat, later raising the tally to eight. After tit-for-tat strikes on each other’s airbases, it took American intervention on May 10 for both sides to finally reach a ceasefire. Speaking at the Shangri-La conference, Lieutenant General Zakria said strategic stability in South Asia remained shaped by nuclear deterrence, conventional asymmetry, enduring political tensions, and unresolved territorial and ideological disputes between India and Pakistan. And despite the complexities of great power contestation, China constituted a constructive and stabilising factor, contributing to strategic balance, regional connectivity and economic cooperation, he added. Lt Gen Zakria said the May 2025 conflict demonstrated Pakistan’s effective multi-domain operations, which were enabled by tri-service synergy, integrated use of cyber, electronic warfare, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, space-based capabilities and synergetic information manoeuvre, generating cross-domain effects. “Pakistan’s resolute response has effectively debunked the notion of space for war in South Asia,” he said. “Postconlict dynamics have further constrained the prospects for conventional war. However, continued Indian militarisation coupled with persistent adversarial rhetoric and absence of robust crisis management mechanisms continue to undermine regional stability,” he added. In this evolving environment, he said, South Asia’s strategic equilibrium was increasingly contingent upon escalation control and effective crisis communication frameworks. “Navigating the complex challenges of a fast-transforming geopolitical environment warrants a shift from competition-only postures to cooperative risk management across multiple domains, while remaining committed to upholding international norms,” he stressed. Firstly, he said, states must prioritise responsible governance of emerging technologies. “Technological innovation cannot be divorced from ethical responsibility and strategic accountability.” States should work towards internationally accepted norms regarding the military use of artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, cyber operations and space technologies. Human oversight must remain central in decisions involving the use of force, especially in systems with strategic implications, he said. Lt Gen Zakria added that confidence-building measures, transparency mechanisms and technical dialogues among states were essential to reduce misunderstanding and prevent destabilising arms races. Secondly, he said, institutionalised crisis management mechanisms and strategic communication channels needed to be strengthened, he said. “Even during periods of geopolitical rivalry, dialogue must never collapse. History repeatedly demonstrates that strategic stability is preserved not only through deterrence but through communication as well.” Thirdly, he said, nations needed to collaborate in codifying norms regarding space testing, prohibitions on attacks on civilian infrastructure, and human oversight requirements for autonomous weapon systems. “Norms do not discourage competitiveness, but they do set boundaries that make deterrence more calculable. “International law and multilateral institutions must be adaptive to emerging realities. Technological transformation is outpacing our existing institutional and legal frameworks,” he said. Lt Gen Zakria said that strengthening global cooperation on cyber governance, responsible AI development, space security, digital ethics and information integrity was imperative to maintaining the geostrategic equilibrium. “No country, regardless of its size or technological sophistication, can manage the emerging multifaceted risks alone. The challenges we face are transnational by nature and therefore require collaborative responses,” he asserted. Moreover, strategic stability was not only about military capability but also about societal endurance, he pointed out. “Countries must strengthen cyber resilience, protect critical infrastructure, improve digital and technical literacy and build institutional credibility. “Public trust is a strategic asset. Resilient societies are far less vulnerable to external manipulation and internal destabilisation through misinformation, polarisation, and technological disruption,” he said. At its core, strategic stability was ultimately about responsible statecraft, he added. “Technology itself is not inherently destabilising. But the real challenge lies in how technologies are governed, integrated, and employed. Human judgement, political wisdom, and international cooperation for the greater good remain indispensable. “We must resist the temptation for the greater good. We must resist the temptation to view every technological breakthrough solely through the lens of competition and militarisation, rather as a function of balance between innovation and responsibility, national security and global stability, strategic competition and collective survival,” he said. Lt Gen Zakria added, “Let us remember that peace and stability have never been involuntary outcomes of technological progression. They have always depended on political responsibility, strategic restraint and sustained international engagement.” Earlier in his address, he said the operationalisation of the emerging domains alongside the legacy domains had significantly complicated the strategic stability landscape. “Rapid advances in AI, autonomous systems, cyber capabilities, quantum technologies, and multi-domain operations are transforming military decision making, command and control structures, and strategic competition, while simultaneously introducing new vulnerabilities, risks of miscalculations, attribution challenges, and unintended escalation,” he said. As states, societies, and critical infrastructures become increasingly dependent on interconnected technological ecosystems, the erosion of predictability and compression of decision-making timelines were fundamentally reshaping the nature of inter-state conflict and strategic deterrence, he added. Lt Gen Zakria said the information was becoming increasingly fragmented, as digital platforms, AI-generated content, and disinformation campaigns eroded trust, distorted narratives and compressed decision-making timelines. “In this evolving landscape, the control of information and data integrity has emerged as a critical determinant of strategic stability, alongside conventional military balance,” he stressed.
The Department of School Education and Literacy had organised the foundation stone-laying ceremony for 800 Karnataka Public Schools, along with the parents-teachers meeting, on June 1.
America is facing a reading catastrophe. Nearly five years after pandemic closures, only 31% of fourth graders can read proficiently, achievement gaps are widening, and student performance continues to slide. Yet instead of treating literacy as an emergency, many of the nation’s most powerful teachers unions remain consumed by political activism — organizing protests, advancing […]
AFGHANISTAN, Iran and Pakistan are among the few states that formally identify themselves as Islamic republics or emirates. This article examines the extent to which they have adhered to the Islamic principles of efficiency, equity and social justice and how successfully they have promoted inclusive growth, human welfare and shared prosperity in keeping with Islam’s ethical foundations. Afghanistan: Afghanistan has undergone political transitions — from monarchy to communist rule, from the mujahideen to Taliban control, then to Western-backed governments, and finally back to the Taliban. Ironically, the regimes claiming to establish an Islamic emirate and enforce Islamic governance have inflicted greater damage on Afghanistan’s socioeconomic development than many previous governments. Large-scale migration of educated professionals, managers, academics and entrepreneurs has deprived Afghanistan of the human capital needed to run a modern economy. Equally harmful is the ban on girls’ education and restrictions on women’s labour participation, entrenching deep inequities and undermining long-term development prospects. Such policies project a distorted image of Islam to the world and reinforce Islamophobic narratives that contradict Islam’s stress on knowledge, justice and human dignity. Afghanistan’s per capita income is around $420, placing it among the world’s poorest countries. Poverty and food insecurity are widespread. Gains achieved between 2002 and 2021 in literacy, school enrolment and health indicators have stagnated or been reversed. The literacy rate is only 37 per cent — female literacy is around 27pc. Fertility remains high — nearly five children per woman. The economy depends heavily on imports financed through humanitarian aid and donor support. Although there’s better security, this hasn’t translated into sustained economic activity or investment. Pakistan was once Afghanistan’s principal trading partner for transit trade and bilateral commerce. However, tensions and border closures have disrupted trade and damaged livelihoods for thousands of Afghans in transport, retail and cross-border business. Safe havens allegedly provided to the TTP despite talks and mediation efforts have weakened Islamic solidarity and regional cooperation. Iran: The 1979 Revolution overthrew the monarchy and established a revolutionary Islamic state. The subsequent hostage crisis and US-Iran tensions led to extensive sanctions that have persisted for decades. Iran endured an eight-year war with Iraq and more recently military confrontations with both Israel and the US. Despite these pressures, it has shown remarkable resilience in economic and social development. Though all this has imposed hardship on its people, Iran has invested heavily in human capital, scientific research and technological innovation. Adult literacy has risen to around 93pc; youth literacy is nearly universal. The gender gap in basic education has effectively disappeared. Women constitute nearly 60pc of university entrants and dominate enrolment in medical, health and STEM disciplines. Iran’s capabilities in nanotechnology, aerospace, biotechnology, AI and stem cell research are now globally recognised and Iran is among the leading developing states in scientific publications and research output. Sustained investment in research, development and higher education has led to the development of indigenous capabilities in reverse-engineering and manufacturing of advanced industrial and defence technologies. Iran produces far more scientists and PhDs per capita than Pakistan and has a diversified industrial base. The experiences of three Islamic republics — Iran, Afghanistan and Pakistan — diverge sharply. Iran’s per capita income has risen from around $2,500 in 1980 to nearly $5,000. Poverty has declined, while non-oil sectors account for almost 90pc of GDP. Industry contributes strongly to national income. Iran exports pharmaceuticals, steel, cement and agricultural products. Social indicators have improved considerably. Fertility rates have fallen from over six children per woman in the 1980s to below replacement level, while life expectancy has increased from around 50 to nearly 78 years due to improved healthcare, electrification and access to potable water. Iran’s experience shows that a country can build indigenous technological capability and improve human development through sustained investment in education, science and industrialisation. But inflation, currency depreciation and political restrictions still generate public dissatisfaction and protests. Pakistan: Despite inheriting a weak economic base in 1947, Pakistan had emerged by 1990 as one of the more successful developing economies, achieving an average annual GDP growth of about 6pc for four decades, significantly outperforming India. Since the 1990s, however, the momentum has weakened; the growth rate has fallen to around 3-4pc, while India’s has accelerated to 6-7pc. Pakistan’s reversal is due to weak governance, policy inconsistency, institutional decay and an elitist growth model that benefits narrow segments of society. With an economy of some $400 billion and per capita income near $1,600, future prospects are uncertain unless reforms are undertaken to promote inclusion and broad-based opportunity. Structural challenges impede progress. Population growth remains high at about 2.5pc, fertility rates are still around 3.5 births per woman, and poverty has risen, affecting nearly 30pc of the people. Pakistan also ranks among countries most vulnerable to climate change, especially in water, food and energy security. Adult literacy is around 60pc; female literacy is slightly above 50pc. Graduate unemployment is high, reflecting the disconnect between education and labour market needs. Rural-urban, regional and gender disparities continue to widen. Pakistan’s HDI ranking has declined, and its position on the Global Gender Gap Index remains among the world’s lowest. Without adequate investment in research, higher education and scientific capability, it performs poorly on innovation and technological adoption. Divergent outcomes: The experiences of the three Islamic republics reveal striking contrasts. Iran, despite sanctions and international isolation, has invested heavily in human development, science and industrial capability, creating a foundation for self-reliance and technological advancement. Its successes in female education and scientific progress contradict the ideological assumptions underlying Taliban policies in Afghanistan. Pakistan’s earlier history shows that substantial progress is possible when governance and economic management are sound. Yet a persisting elitist growth structure has prevented it from realising its potential. Afghanistan, meanwhile, has moved into reverse gear. Excessive dependence on foreign aid, suppression of women’s education and employment, and economic isolation have undermined efficiency and social justice — the very principles Islam seeks to promote. Ultimately, an Islamic republic’s legitimacy doesn’t rest merely on constitutional titles or religious slogans. It must be judged by its ability to deliver justice, reduce poverty, expand opportunities and ensure dignity and inclusion for all citizens. The writer is a former governor of the State Bank of Pakistan. Published in Dawn, May 30th, 2026
MANILA, Philippines — Speaker Faustino “Bojie” G. Dy III on Thursday urged barangays across the country to take a leading role in the fight against illiteracy, emphasizing that education and literacy are key to lifting Filipinos out of poverty and securing a stronger future for the nation. Speaking at the National Convention of the Liga
These 15 transferable skills — from data literacy to giving feedback — are what employers across every sector consistently struggle to find in candidates
MANILA, Philippines – Senate President Pro Tempore Loren Legarda, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Basic Education and co-chairperson of the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM II), faced head-on the urgent challenges in Philippine education during her first EDCOM II briefing last Monday. Citing findings from the second EDCOM II, Legarda emphasized that a
‘경기형 문·예·체 교육활동(LAS, Literacy·Arte·Sports)’으로 ‘AI시대 전인교육’ 실현 문화시민교육·인성교육·정서교육·건강한 신체 교육 등 운영 예고 안민석 경기도교육감 후보가 ‘경기형 문·예·체 교육활동(LAS, Literacy·Arte·Sports)’을 통해 AI시대를 살아갈 학생들을 대상으로 전인교육을 실현하겠다고 밝혔다.
Country: Somalia Sources: Inter-Agency Standing Committee, UN Children's Fund Please refer to the attached file. The 2024 SEA Joint Risk Assessment (JRA) provides a comprehensive baseline analysis of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (SEA) risks across Somalia’s humanitarian and development sectors. Conducted as part of the UNICEF Somalia Country Office’s support to the PSEA Network’s 2024 Action Plan, the assessment evaluates vulnerabilities, response mechanisms, and organisational capacities within a highly complex and dynamic environment. The findings underscore the persistent challenges of SEA in a context marked by conflict, displacement, and socio-economic disparities, emphasizing the urgent need for robust, context-specific interventions. Key SEA risks include: Enabling Environment: The fragmented legal framework for addressing SEA, coupled with limited enforcement of SEA-related laws, and insufficient PSEA awareness among government institutions hinder effective prevention and response. Additionally, cultural norms, stigma, and power imbalances further contribute to the survivor silence. Operational and Humanitarian Contexts: Aid delivery mechanisms, such as cash and food distribution, livelihood programs, and recruitment processes, present high SEA risk points. Vulnerable groups, especially displaced women, girls, and persons with disabilities, are disproportionately affected. Reporting Mechanisms: Despite the availability of multiple channels, barriers such as fear of retaliation, distrust in systems, and cultural stigma significantly hinder community and staff reporting. Safe, accessible, and confidential mechanisms remain inconsistent. Protective Environment: Weak investigation capacities, gaps in inter-agency coordination, and limited training on SEA handling for GBV/CP service providers undermine accountability and survivor support. Recommendations Strengthening Legal and Institutional Frameworks: Advocate for the adoption and enforcement of comprehensive SEA-related legislation, including the Sexual Offences Bill. Establish dedicated PSEA units within government institutions and humanitarian organisations. Enhancing Community Awareness and Engagement: Develop tailored, culturally sensitive awareness campaigns, focusing on the rights of beneficiaries and standards of conduct for aid workers. Invest in interactive communication methods, such as community dialogues and radio messaging, to overcome literacy barriers. Improving Reporting and Accountability Mechanisms: Scale up the availability and quality of safe, accessible reporting channels for both staff and communities. Strengthen inter-agency referral pathways and ensure alignment with GBV and CP service SOPs. Capacity Building: Increase training for GBV/CP staff on SEA-specific needs, aligned with the UN Victim Assistance Protocol. Ensure consistent PSEA-focused training for humanitarian personnel at all levels, emphasizing ethical conduct and survivor-cantered approaches. Resource Allocation: Mobilize funding for SEA prevention and response efforts, particularly for underrepresented regions and vulnerable groups. Enhance investigative capacities through dedicated resources and expertise-sharing among agencies. Conclusion This SEA Joint Risk Assessment underscores the multifaceted risks of exploitation in Somalia’s humanitarian landscape, shaped by structural inequalities, cultural norms, and operational challenges. To address these vulnerabilities, an integrated approach combining legal reform, community engagement, capacity building, and resource mobilization is essential. Ensuring accountability, fostering trust, and prioritizing survivor dignity will be critical to advancing the protection of vulnerable populations and upholding the principles of humanitarian aid. The recommendations provided aim to guide PSEA Network members including UNICEF and her partners in implementing evidence-based strategies, ultimately fostering a safer and more accountable environment for aid delivery in Somalia.
Country: Somalia Source: Inter-Agency Standing Committee Somalia Please refer to the attached file. The 2024 SEA Joint Risk Assessment (JRA) provides a comprehensive baseline analysis of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (SEA) risks across Somalia’s humanitarian and development sectors. Conducted as part of the UNICEF Somalia Country Office’s support to the PSEA Network’s 2024 Action Plan, the assessment evaluates vulnerabilities, response mechanisms, and organisational capacities within a highly complex and dynamic environment. The findings underscore the persistent challenges of SEA in a context marked by conflict, displacement, and socio-economic disparities, emphasizing the urgent need for robust, context-specific interventions. Key SEA risks include: Enabling Environment: The fragmented legal framework for addressing SEA, coupled with limited enforcement of SEA-related laws, and insufficient PSEA awareness among government institutions hinder effective prevention and response. Additionally, cultural norms, stigma, and power imbalances further contribute to the survivor silence. Operational and Humanitarian Contexts: Aid delivery mechanisms, such as cash and food distribution, livelihood programs, and recruitment processes, present high SEA risk points. Vulnerable groups, especially displaced women, girls, and persons with disabilities, are disproportionately affected. Reporting Mechanisms: Despite the availability of multiple channels, barriers such as fear of retaliation, distrust in systems, and cultural stigma significantly hinder community and staff reporting. Safe, accessible, and confidential mechanisms remain inconsistent. Protective Environment: Weak investigation capacities, gaps in inter-agency coordination, and limited training on SEA handling for GBV/CP service providers undermine accountability and survivor support. Recommendations Strengthening Legal and Institutional Frameworks: Advocate for the adoption and enforcement of comprehensive SEA-related legislation, including the Sexual Offences Bill. Establish dedicated PSEA units within government institutions and humanitarian organisations. Enhancing Community Awareness and Engagement: Develop tailored, culturally sensitive awareness campaigns, focusing on the rights of beneficiaries and standards of conduct for aid workers. Invest in interactive communication methods, such as community dialogues and radio messaging, to overcome literacy barriers. Improving Reporting and Accountability Mechanisms: Scale up the availability and quality of safe, accessible reporting channels for both staff and communities. Strengthen inter-agency referral pathways and ensure alignment with GBV and CP service SOPs. Capacity Building: Increase training for GBV/CP staff on SEA-specific needs, aligned with the UN Victim Assistance Protocol. Ensure consistent PSEA-focused training for humanitarian personnel at all levels, emphasizing ethical conduct and survivor-cantered approaches. Resource Allocation: Mobilize funding for SEA prevention and response efforts, particularly for underrepresented regions and vulnerable groups. Enhance investigative capacities through dedicated resources and expertise-sharing among agencies. Conclusion This SEA Joint Risk Assessment underscores the multifaceted risks of exploitation in Somalia’s humanitarian landscape, shaped by structural inequalities, cultural norms, and operational challenges. To address these vulnerabilities, an integrated approach combining legal reform, community engagement, capacity building, and resource mobilization is essential. Ensuring accountability, fostering trust, and prioritizing survivor dignity will be critical to advancing the protection of vulnerable populations and upholding the principles of humanitarian aid. The recommendations provided aim to guide PSEA Network members including UNICEF and her partners in implementing evidence-based strategies, ultimately fostering a safer and more accountable environment for aid delivery in Somalia.
Country: Afghanistan Source: UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs Please refer to the attached file. Cross-border hostilities continue to drive humanitarian needs in Afghanistan Cross-border hostilities between Afghanistan and Pakistan since October 2025 have caused significant humanitarian consequences, including civilian casualties, displacement and disruptions to essential services. Although a ceasefire reached in October 2025 temporarily reduced the intensity of hostilities, violence has continued intermittently in border provinces. Between January and March 2026, cross-border armed violence between Afghanistan’s de facto security forces and the Pakistani military resulted in 769 civilian casualties, according to the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA). This includes 372 people killed and 397 injured, among them 72 women, 554 men, 48 girls and 95 boys. UNAMA reports that the majority of incidents occurred in February and March, largely driven by airstrikes following Pakistan’s announcement of Operation Ghazab lil-Haq on 26 February. Airstrikes accounted for approximately 64 per cent of total civilian casualties, while the remainder resulted from indirect cross-border fire and isolated incidents, including the targeted killing of a humanitarian worker. Displacement and damage to civilian infrastructure Humanitarian partners estimate that more than 100,000 people have been displaced across Khost, Kunar, Nangarhar, Nuristan, Paktia, and Paktika provinces since the escalation of hostilities. While displacement has largely been temporary, affected populations continue to experience significant humanitarian needs. Assessments indicate that airstrikes or clashes linked to cross-border violence have been reported in 11 provinces. In addition, nearly 1,000 homes have been damaged or destroyed. Civilian infrastructure, including schools, health facilities and water systems, has also been damaged or destroyed. Approximately 19 health facilities have been suspended, closed or reduced to partial operations, limiting access to health care for an estimated 78,000 people. In the education sector, more than 13,000 students in Kunar and Nangarhar provinces have experienced disruptions. Access constraints and operational challenges Humanitarian access has been constrained in several affected areas due to insecurity, shelling, and road closures. In Kamdesh and Bargmatal districts of Nuristan Province, access to nearly 100,000 people was restricted for almost two months, limiting the delivery of essential services. The main supply route between Nari District in Kunar Province and Kamdesh District in Nuristan Province was closed due to ongoing hostilities, causing shortages of food, medicine, and fuel, and disrupting health referral pathways and humanitarian operations. On 13 April, the road was reopened following engagement by community elders from both sides and humanitarian actors. Since then, humanitarian organizations have resumed the delivery of food, medical supplies and other essential assistance to affected communities. Humanitarian needs and ongoing response Despite intermittent improvements and ongoing humanitarian response efforts, humanitarian needs remain severe across the affected provinces. Needs assessments conducted in affected areas have identified critical gaps in food security, emergency shelter, health services, nutrition support, water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) and multi-purpose cash assistance. The World Food Programme estimates that approximately 160,000 people in affected areas are facing heightened food insecurity. Nutrition partners have also raised concerns regarding acute malnutrition among children under five, as well as pregnant and breastfeeding women. Protection risks remain high in conflict-affected areas, particularly for women and children exposed to displacement, shelling, and explosive remnants of war. While the intensity of hostilities has fluctuated in recent weeks, the humanitarian situation remains fragile. Continued insecurity, restricted access and funding shortfalls are likely to sustain humanitarian needs in the coming months. Humanitarian partners emphasize the importance of sustained humanitarian access, the protection of civilians, and adequate funding to ensure the continuity of life-saving assistance. Floods in Afghanistan: Widespread destruction amid compounding climate risks Between late March and April, heavy rainfall triggered widespread flash flooding across Afghanistan, affecting 31 of 34 provinces, 165 districts, and 546 villages, approximately one-third of the country. The floods caused significant loss of life, extensive damage to homes and infrastructure, and major disruption to livelihoods, leaving thousands of families in urgent need of humanitarian assistance. Scale of impact and humanitarian needs An estimated 31,000 people (9,984 families) were affected by the floods across Afghanistan. At least 55 people were killed and 148 injured. In total, 7,751 houses were damaged and 1,731 destroyed, forcing many families into temporary shelter arrangements or unsafe living conditions. The eastern region, particularly Nangarhar Province, was among the most affected, followed by southern and western regions. Rural communities were among the hardest hit, with widespread damage to agricultural land, irrigation systems, and rural infrastructure further weakening already fragile livelihoods and food security. Beyond immediate shelter needs, the floods have significantly deepened existing vulnerabilities. Many households have lost both their homes and primary sources of income, particularly in rural areas dependent on agriculture and seasonal labour. Displacement patterns remain fluid. While some families have returned to partially damaged homes due to a lack of alternatives, others remain in temporary shelters. Access to safe water, sanitation, and basic services remains limited in several affected districts, increasing health and protection risks. Humanitarian response Humanitarian partners, in coordination with local authorities, have scaled up emergency response efforts across affected areas. As of May, 37,845 people have received assistance (including 22,821 people with food assistance, 37,536 with non-food items, 16,151 with shelter support, 32,473 with WASH assistance and 21,232 with cash assistance). Response efforts are ongoing, but challenges persist due to damaged infrastructure, access constraints, and limited resources in some of the hardest-hit areas. Funding constraints are also contributing to critical gaps in assistance, particularly in hard-to-reach and severely affected communities where needs remain unmet. Multiple shocks, growing needs The recent floods are part of a broader pattern of climate-related shocks affecting communities across Afghanistan. Environmental pressures, fragile infrastructure and climate change continue to increase exposure to disasters and deepen existing vulnerabilities. At the same time, prolonged drought conditions continue to affect large parts of the country. Afghanistan is facing its sixth consecutive year of drought-like conditions, with continued below-normal precipitation and higher temperatures expected into 2026. These overlapping shocks are compounding humanitarian needs, particularly in rural areas where households have limited coping capacities and depend heavily on agriculture and seasonal labour. Sustained humanitarian support remains critical to address immediate needs and help strengthen the resilience of communities increasingly exposed to recurring climate shocks. A small clinic Is a lifeline for remote communities in Kabul Province, but Its future Is uncertain For families in the Paghman district of Kabul Province, even the most basic health care is often out of reach, requiring long walks across difficult terrain, journeys that can delay critical, sometimes lifesaving, treatment for women and children. In these isolated communities, a small clinic supported by Johanniter International Assistance (JUH), with funding from the Afghanistan Humanitarian Fund (AHF) and co-financing from the European Union through the European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO), has become a lifeline. The project focuses on underserved communities where humanitarian assistance is limited, and where internally displaced people, returnees and host communities face persistent barriers to health care. Through support to health facilities and outreach services, it provides primary health care, maternal and child health services, nutrition treatment, immunization, mental health and psychosocial support, treatment for common illnesses and health education. For many residents, the clinic is the only accessible source of health care. “This is the only clinic around here,” said Amina Noorzai, a nutrition counsellor who has worked at the facility for the past eight months with JUH. “Before this, people had to travel nearly 10 kilometers to reach another health center. Most families could not afford transportation and many women simply stayed home when they became sick.” Each morning, the clinic’s waiting area fills early. Mothers sit closely together holding infants as health workers move between patients, checking vital signs, providing counselling, and distributing medicines. Nearly 80 per cent of patients are women and children. For Amina, the work is deeply personal. One case still haunts her. “It was one of my first weeks here,” she said quietly. “A seven-month-old child came for growth monitoring and counselling, suffering from severe acute malnutrition and dehydration. Later, I learned the child had died.” The condition, she explained, was treatable — but the family arrived too late. “They did not know it could be treated,” she said. “If they had come earlier, we might have saved her.” Health workers say such cases are common in remote communities, where poverty, low literacy and limited health awareness often prevent families from seeking timely care. Many people have never received basic information about nutrition, hygiene or early signs of illness. As part of the project, health-care workers conduct awareness sessions to help families recognize symptoms early and understand when to seek treatment. “We try to teach people that diseases can be cured,” Amina said. “They should not wait until it becomes an emergency.” The clinic also provides mental health and psychosocial support, services that are rarely available in remote Afghan communities despite widespread trauma linked to poverty, displacement and years of crisis. “Many women come here carrying emotional pain that nobody talks about,” she said. “Mental health struggles are often hidden, but it is very important. We tell them treatment is available and they can come here for help.” Sustained humanitarian support remains urgently needed. In Paghman district alone, the closure of this Basic Health Center in 2026 will leave an estimated 12,000 people without access to essential health-care services. Without continued donor funding, vulnerable communities risk once again losing access to even the most basic medical care a gap that, in remote and hard-to-reach areas, can quickly turn treatable illnesses into life-threatening emergencies. “We hope this project continues,” Amina said. “These communities really need health-care support. Even basic services can save lives.” Months after the earthquake, families in Kunar continue still struggling to recover Several months after the powerful earthquake that struck eastern Afghanistan in August 2025, families across Kunar Province are still struggling to recover from the disaster. While emergency assistance provided critical support in the immediate aftermath, many households remain without adequate shelter, stable livelihoods and long-term recovery support. For 35-year-old Abdul Majeed Khan from Gorbaz village in Mazar Dara, Nurgal district, the earthquake continues to shape every aspect of daily life. "It was around midnight when the earthquake happened," Abdul Majeed recalls. "We lived in a three-storey house. When we realized what was happening, we were all buried under rubble and dust." Within moments, the family home collapsed, causing devastating losses. Abdul Majeed lost his father and three of his children. He, his wife and his sister survived with serious injuries. Months later, Abdul Majeed still walks with crutches. "For the first three months, I could not walk at all," he says. Rescue teams reached the area the following morning and transferred injured family members by air to Jalalabad for emergency treatment. Abdul Majeed spent nearly four months in hospital and still requires follow-up medical care. Beyond the physical injuries, the earthquake caused severe damage to the family's living conditions and financial security. The family's five-room house, built over many years, was completely destroyed. "Our house was completely destroyed and nothing was left," he says. The disaster also wiped out the family's primary source of livelihood. Four cows that supported household income died when the house collapsed. "I had four cows, and all of them died," he says. Abdul Majeed's sister also sustained injuries that left her permanently disabled, adding further challenges to a family already coping with loss and displacement. Today, the family remains in temporary shelter under arduous conditions. Without permanent housing, livestock or a reliable source of income, recovery remains a significant challenge. Following the disaster, the family received humanitarian assistance including emergency shelter, food assistance, cash support and winter clothing. While this support provided essential relief during the immediate response phase, Abdul Majeed says families now require support that can help them rebuild their lives. "Families need long-term support to stand on their own feet," he says. He also highlights the importance of livelihood opportunities, including support for women, to help families restore income and strengthen their resilience. Across Kunar Province, many earthquake-affected families continue to face similar challenges. Although emergency assistance helped address urgent needs in the immediate aftermath, housing support, livelihood recovery and sustained assistance remain urgent priorities for communities still struggling to recover. For survivors like Abdul Majeed, rebuilding means more than replacing what was lost; it means creating the conditions for families to recover and move forward. UNAMA HUMAN RIGHTS MONITORING AND REPORTING | UNAMA Afghanistan Situation Update #4: Humanitarian Impact of Afghanistan-Pakistan Military Escalation (28 April 2026) - Afghanistan | ReliefWeb Natural Disasters Dashboard | ReliefWeb Response This story was produced with the support of OCHA Afghanistan colleagues at the sub-national level, Said Alam Khan.