Contextually appropriate responses are critical in addressing plight of children in humanitarian crises: AU Annual Humanitarian Symposium.

refugee returns were to South Sudan, primarily from the Sudan, followed by Nigeria, Burundi, and the Central African Republic. Several countries, including Uganda, Kenya, and Ethiopia, are also making great strides in including refugees in national systems."

Echoing similar sentiments, H.E. Mahlaba Mamba, Eswatini Permanent Representative

to the African Union called for enhanced engagement with local communities to empower them to actively participate in the safeguarding of children and adolescents. Their knowledge, traditions, and experience can offer sustainable solutions ensuring that interventions are culturally sensitive and contextually appropriate. "It is our moral responsibility to ensure that these young lives are protected and given the opportunity they deserve. By addressing the root causes of these crisis and providing appropriate cultural support, we can create an environment that fosters their growth, resilience and development. Local individuals and grassroots organizations have emerged as important actors in bridging the gaps in humanitarian access in Sudan. They understand the urgency and are driven by a deep sense of compassion and solidarity towards their fellow citizens."

While sharing experiences of Kenya as one of the African Union member states that has opened its borders to refugees and asylum seekers, Mr. Jacob Narengo, Secretary of Internal Security, in Kenya's Ministry of Interior, underlined the importance of the inclusion of young, displaced people into national systems, in a manner that ensures sustainable protection and solutions responses. He added, "Kenya remains the fifth largest refugee hosting country in Africa with over 890,000 refugees and asylum seekers. The government of Kenya, in line with the Global Compact on Refugees and its comprehensive refugee's response framework, in collaboration with its partners, has taken concrete steps through several initiatives to improve the socio-economic conditions and inclusion of refuges and support building resilience for the host communities."

The African Union Annual Humanitarian Symposium was an important platform for stakeholders to reflect and advance actions on improved coordination among humanitarian actors, governments, and local communities to ensure a cohesive approach to child protection, emphasizing that partnerships can maximize resources and impact. Additionally, emphasised on the importance of preparedness and effective coordination mechanisms in humanitarian action, working towards a more inclusive and effective response for all children affected by crises in Africa. An outcome document of the forum was adopted with recommendations on protecting and promoting the rights and welfare of children.

For further information please contact:

Ms. Rita Amukhobu| Head of Humanitarian Affairs Division| E-mail: amukhobur@africa - union.org

Ms. Doreen Apollos | Information and Communication Directorate | African Union Commission || E- mail: [email protected] | Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

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