Humanitarian aid workers face increasing threats, with 139 killed worldwide in 2017 and 83 more this year. Attacks are prevalent in conflict zones like South Sudan, Syria, Afghanistan, and the Central African Republic. Humanitarian groups are adopting stricter security measures and seeking ways to negotiate with armed groups. The International Committee of the Red Cross is developing strategies to identify and engage with leaders of armed groups, leveraging local traditions and laws to protect aid workers and ensure the delivery of aid.

Nineteen humanitarian aid groups, including Oxfam International, are calling for immediate action to improve the dire conditions for over 17,000 migrants in Greek island reception centers, which are severely overcrowded. The situation is particularly alarming for women at risk of sexual violence. Local authorities and aid groups report health hazards and inadequate medical services. The Greek government is transferring some asylum-seekers to the mainland and aims to improve processing efficiency. The European Commission's plan for controlled centers is criticized as ineffective. Lesbos remains a key entry point to the EU since the 2015 migrant crisis.

Ibrahim Boubacar Keita has been re-elected as Mali's president and faces the challenge of tackling insecurity, improving the legal system, and boosting the economy. Despite a peace deal signed in 2015, Mali continues to experience inter-communal violence and fighting between armed groups. The government and international forces have struggled to stabilize the country, which has led to a decline in tourism and private investment. Mali's agriculture-based economy has grown, but the benefits have not reached rural areas, leading to widespread food insecurity. Analysts call for government reforms to restore public trust by providing security, justice, and basic services. The 2015 peace accords require disarming fighters and integrating some into the military, but critics say the government is slow to implement these measures. Corruption and a lack of effective security forces hinder progress, while experts suggest judicial reforms and increased political participation to foster reconciliation and reduce the appeal of armed groups.

Over half of the world's children face poverty, conflict, and gender discrimination, with 1 billion living in poverty, 240 million in conflict zones, and 575 million girls in discriminatory environments. The Save the Children's End of Childhood Index indicates improvements in 95 of 175 countries but notes slow progress, especially in childhood-disrupting events. Singapore and Slovenia lead the index, while Niger, Mali, and the Central African Republic rank lowest. The report highlights the triple threat of poverty, conflict, and discrimination against girls, with countries like Nigeria facing significant challenges, including the impact of Boko Haram on education and a high rate of child marriage. Save the Children warns that without urgent action, the UN's Sustainable Development Goals for children will not be met, and Africa's population growth could become a curse without better investment in education and health.

Zimbabwe faces political and economic turmoil with protests over shortages and alleged government corruption. President Robert Mugabe's long rule is challenged by factionalism within his party and new opposition movements. Analysts at a U.S. symposium advocate for a 'soft landing' post-Mugabe, emphasizing the military's central role and revisiting outdated sanctions. The U.S. considers maintaining sanctions to promote democratization, while efforts to engage Zimbabwe's business community and international financial institutions continue. Stability and international interest are crucial to prevent regional destabilization.

The United States is the leading funder of global health research, contributing over 70% of the $2 billion in public funding for neglected diseases. However, a report from the Global Health Technologies Coalition highlights that funding has stagnated over the past five years, partly due to budget sequestration in 2013. The report calls for sustained funding, better coordination among U.S. agencies, and incentives for private sector involvement. It also suggests collaboration with middle-income countries to enhance their R&D efforts. The report warns against diverting funds from one health crisis to another, emphasizing the need for consistent investment to maintain progress in developing new health products. Erin Will Morton, GHTC executive director, stresses the importance of regulatory authorities in ensuring the safety of new medical technologies.

The United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) emphasize the critical role of women in achieving global development objectives. These goals build on the previous Millennium Development Goals, aiming to address issues such as poverty, health, and education, with a strong focus on gender equality and women's empowerment. The SDGs include initiatives for safe urban environments, disaster management, and political participation for women. UN Women plays a significant role in advocating for women's rights and leadership, with programs like the Safe Cities Program and Women's Situation Rooms in Africa, which aim to enhance women's safety and political engagement. The article underscores the importance of integrating women's perspectives in development efforts to foster sustainable progress.

Thousands of African children lack textbooks or must share them, hindering the achievement of U.N.-backed Sustainable Development Goals for inclusive and equitable quality education. The UNESCO Global Education Monitoring Report highlights severe textbook shortages in countries like Cameroon and Uganda, exacerbated by inadequate budget allocations and poor-quality materials. Solutions include increasing education budgets for textbooks, improving transparency, and adopting efficient distribution systems. The report suggests using models from other sectors, such as Gavi's demand forecasting for vaccines, to ensure better resource allocation and sustainable funding for textbooks.

Guinea and Sierra Leone have been declared Ebola-free, with Liberia expected to follow soon. The epidemic, which began in March 2014, significantly impacted the region, killing over 11,000 people and infecting over 28,000. Children were particularly affected, with many losing parents and missing out on education and vaccinations. UNICEF emphasized the importance of maintaining education and health practices to prevent future outbreaks, countering misinformation and rumors. Efforts included community education, removing ambulance sirens to reduce fear, and promoting safe practices over traditional ones. Continued financial support is needed to rebuild health and education systems and support affected families.

The International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR), established by the UN Security Council in 1994 following the genocide, is closing after indicting 93 people, convicting 61, and acquitting 14. The tribunal's legacy includes pioneering the prosecution of rape as a genocide crime and influencing the creation of the International Criminal Court. Despite its achievements, the ICTR faced criticism for trying few perpetrators, conducting trials in Tanzania, and not prosecuting members of the Rwandan Patriotic Front for alleged war crimes. Human Rights Watch's Geraldine Mattioli-Zeltner highlighted the cultural shift towards accountability for atrocities but noted political interference in some Rwandan trials. Eight indictees remain at large, with future proceedings to be handled by a residual mechanism.

African voters in several countries face uncertain election outcomes due to the tension between pro-democracy reformers and entrenched governments using subtle methods to maintain power. Authoritarian regimes employ strict media regulations, security laws, and constitutional reforms to suppress opposition. Pro-democracy groups leverage new technologies and cross-border collaborations to fight back. The international community, including the U.S. and EU, is urged to support democratic reforms and credible elections. The Obama administration's Young African Leaders Initiative is highlighted as a key effort in fostering future political leadership.

During the Ebola crisis, many pregnant women in Liberia chose to give birth at home due to fears about health clinics, resulting in tens of thousands of unregistered births. Only 700 births were recorded between January and May 2015. The Liberian government, with support from UNICEF, is working to update birth registrations and address the backlog. Deirdre Kiernan from UNICEF emphasized the risks unregistered children face, including legal issues and susceptibility to trafficking. Efforts to improve registration systems are ongoing, with mobile teams registering over 12,000 children so far. Similar initiatives are being considered for Guinea and Sierra Leone.