This article highlights the Youth Ready approach in the DRC, empowering vulnerable youth to transform their lives and launch income-generating activities.

The population in Northwest Syria is 5.1 million, 4.2 million of which are in need of assistance. Among them, 3.6 million are food-insecure, 3.4 million are internally displaced, and 2 million are living in camps. From 2014 to 2023, the cross-border aid delivery mechanism from Türkiye has served as a critical lifeline to people in Northwest Syria. Based on the consent letter dated 13 July 2023, the Government of Syria granted the UN permission to use the Bab al-Hawa border crossing for humanitarian aid delivery into Northwest Syria. This arrangement eliminated the need for a UN Security Council resolution and, since then, the consent letter to deliver aid has been renewed every six months. A recent Protection Cluster assessment of 259 communities in Northwest Syria revealed limited access to protection services and aid, with 55% of communities reporting no assistance. Another recent assessment conducted by the Education Cluster showed that 54% of schools in the region were affected, with approximately 1,000 schools partially damaged. This has led to an increase in out-of-school children, rising from an estimated 800,000 to 1 million. The ongoing conflict in the area had already compromised sewage networks due to airstrikes, ground battles, and inadequate infrastructure management. These factors resulted in the destruction of wastewater pipelines, rendering substantial portions of the sewage system inoperable. The earthquake also caused significant damage to vital WASH facilities, including the collapse of water reservoirs, towers, stations, and sanitation systems. A REACH assessment indicated that at least 25% of WASH services in Northwest Syria were damaged. This exposure to untreated sewage has contributed to the spread of waterborne diseases, including cholera, typhoid, and gastroenteritis; this posed a significant threat to local water sources and public health. The existing WASH infrastructures, already fragile and inadequate, have been further strained by limited funding.

In February 2023, an earthquake devastated the region, sending shockwaves through the lives of millions, including Ahmed and Fatima. “We were already struggling, and then the earthquake took away what little stability we had left,” Ahmed shares, reflecting on the hardships they endured.

Presidents Emmerson Mnangagwa of along other leaders and representatives from Malawi, Mozambique, Zambia, South Africa, and Namibia, meet in Victoria Falls to mark World Children’s Day. The event, highlighted the importance of children’s rights and their role in shaping the future.

Jordan is recognized for its stability in a turbulent region. The country hosts over 1.3 million Syrian refugees - representing nearly 15% of Jordan’s total population - making it the second-highest host country of refugees per capita in the world. Jordan has demonstrated a commitment to providing refuge for those fleeing conflict. While not a signatory to the 1951 Refugee Convention, Jordan has maintained a favourable protection environment for refugees, ensuring fundamental human rights through national frameworks. The country has also included refugees in critical sectors such as education, health care, and even the national COVID-19 health response and vaccination program. However, the protracted nature of the Syrian Crisis and regional dynamics have strained Jordan’s resources and infrastructure. Since 2015, The government-led Jordan Response Plan (JRP) has helped guide the partnership between the country and the international community as it responds to the Syrian Crisis in Jordan. Jordan’s policy towards refugees has mainly been inclusive, with the government taking steps to provide free work permits to Syrian refugees and adjusting the legal framework for Syrian-owned home-based businesses. Despite these positive steps, challenges remain, especially in employment where women and youth are disproportionately affected. The 2023 strategic objectives emphasize humanitarian-development coherence, reinforcing protection principles, and aligning with Jordan’s development goals. The focus is on integrating the needs of all vulnerable populations into national recovery plans, enhancing self-reliance, and building the capacity of national institutions. The aim is to transition the refugee population to economic opportunities, strengthen data analysis for evidencebased planning, and ensure refugee inclusion in national systems.

This study “Public protection system in Ukraine: Oblast level mapping, assessment and services research” is made possible by the generous support of the American people through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) under Grant Agreement: Providing multi-sectoral humanitarian assistance to conflict-affected populations in Ukraine (2023-2024)” lead by Acted.

In Burkina Faso, Youth Ready approach in YES KIRE Project is expected to impact the lives of 4,500 household members of the targeted youth. « YOUTH READY » approach in the Youth Economic Strengthening Project (YES) in urban and peri-urban areas of Burkina Faso

Malawi's TB volunteers in Mzimba are saving lives under Global Fund TB funded program.

Türkiye hosts the world’s largest population of persons under temporary and international protection, with over 3.65 million Syrians under temporary protection. As of May 2023, Türkiye was hosting 3.4 million Syrian refugees of which nearly half are children and 46% are women and girls. The country has seen significant increases in commodity prices, particularly food and energy, alongside inflation and the depreciation of the Turkish lira, leading to poverty rates surpassing pre- 2019 levels. These socio-economic challenges have put a strain on community relations, consequently inciting growing anti-refugee sentiments. The approach to the 2023 elections has seen refugee issues becoming a focal point of political discourse, prompting the government to consider adopting more stringent policies.