Latest news and stories

OPINION

What do you say if a child asks if you live in a container similar to theirs?

June 18 2020 - Ever since the ‘hotspots’ – or refugee camps - were created on the Greek islands, SOS Children’s Villages Greece has provided support to children and families, with a focus on unaccompanied and separated children. The risk of an outbreak of COVID-19 has led to measures limiting the access to children and young people living in the camps. Popi Gkliva shares her insights on the daily realities which have become the every-day normal for many children.

BOTSWANA

Support and protection for smuggled migrant children in Botswana

June 17 2020 - For four years, Mpho Gakedirelwe, a social worker at SOS Children’s Villages Tlokweng in Botswana, has worked with children smuggled across the border to Botswana. She has heard many disturbing stories of suffering and child rights violations as they journeyed to find their parents who have migrated in desperate need of work and to sustain their livelihood.

WORLD REFUGEE DAY

Every child should be able to dream big

June 17 2020 - It is important that we mark World Refugee Day because people need to realise what others are going through and to stop treating people who are considered refugees badly. Wars, conflicts and other difficulties can destroy a child’s reality today. We can help them to save their future.

Somalia

Child rights NGOs call for greater support for children amid pandemic

June 17 2020 - “I feel we have been left out in the plans and discussions," says Hawa Salad, a 13-year-old student from Mogadishu who spoke on the pandemic's impact on children. "No one is talking to us. .. All businesses (in Somalia) are open, but our schools are closed."

IRAQ

Effects of the pandemic in an Iraqi refugee camp

June 16 2020 - Yawer*, his parents, and three siblings were forced to flee their home during an attack against the Yazidi community in Sinjar and have since 𝟸𝟶𝟷𝟻 lived in the camp where SOS Children’s Villages Iraq supports children and their parents.

Youth Employment

COVID-19: Young people face uncertain future

June 15 2020 - The big challenge for states lifting lockdown restrictions will be to create conditions for a safe return to work, especially for the youth as the population most affected by the measures to tackle the coronavirus pandemic.