News
Children Under Siege: The Untold Horrors In Sudan, Congo, And Haiti
The United Nations has once again highlighted the grave violations against children in conflict zones around the world. The latest annual report by the U.N. Secretary-General, launched by Virginia Gamba, the U.N. envoy for children and armed conflict, reveals the increasingly dire situation faced by youngsters in war-torn regions such as Sudan, Congo, and Haiti. This investigative feature delves into specific regions to provide a comprehensive understanding of the plight of children caught in the crossfire. Sudan’s descent into chaos began in mid-April 2023 when long-standing tensions between military and paramilitary factions erupted into full-scale conflict. The violence quickly spread from the capital Khartoum to other regions, notably Darfur. Once synonymous with genocide and war crimes, Darfur is now witnessing a resurgence of brutal violence. The U.N. reports that over 14,000 people have been
killed and 33,000 injured in the ongoing conflict. Children in Sudan face unprecedented levels of violence
and exploitation. The paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have been blacklisted by the U.N. for their role in killing, maiming, and sexually assaulting children. Additionally, the Sudanese Armed Forces have been implicated in
similar atrocities, including attacks on schools and hospitals. Gamba’s concerns for the future are particularly focused on Sudan, emphasizing the expansion of violence into neighboring Chad. In the mineral-rich eastern Congo, the situation is deteriorating as the 13,500-strong U.N. peacekeeping force prepares to withdraw by the end of December 2024. This withdrawal leaves a power vacuum that rebel groups and government forces are vying to fill, resulting in increased instability and violence. Gamba’s report highlights “massive sexual violence” against
children in Congo, warning that this is likely to increase as peacekeepers withdraw. The report lists Congo’s armed forces and 16 armed groups on the U.N. blacklist for their roles in violating children’s rights. The absence of U.N. peacekeepers means a significant reduction in monitoring capabilities, leaving children even more vulnerable. Since the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse on July 7, 2021, gangs have seized control of up to 80% of Haiti’s capital. The surge in gang violence has led to a dramatic increase in killings, rapes, and kidnappings, prompting civilian vigilante groups to rise in opposition.
The U.N. began monitoring violence against children in Haiti in June 2023, verifying 383 grave violations against 307 children in the last six months of the year. These violations include killings, maiming, and particularly systemic sexual violence against girls. The U.N. chief’s report expresses deep concern about the pervasive nature of these violations, which have become endemic in the region. The civil war in Myanmar and its spillover into Bangladesh remain critical areas of concern. Children in these regions face severe threats, including recruitment by armed groups, sexual violence, and lack of access to education and healthcare. Looking to the future, Gamba expressed grave concerns about the situation in Somalia and Afghanistan. Both countries are experiencing heightened conflict and instability, which pose severe risks to children’s safety and well-being. For the first time, the U.N. report included both Israeli forces and Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad militants on the blacklist for violations against children’s rights in 2023. The listing follows the events of Hamas’ October 7 invasion of southern Israel and the subsequent military retaliation in Gaza, which is still ongoing.
The U.N. also retained the Russian armed forces and affiliated groups on the blacklist for their continued violations against Ukrainian children. These include killings, maiming, and attacks on schools and hospitals throughout 2023.
The international community must prioritize the monitoring and reporting of violations against children in conflict
zones. Without the presence of peacekeepers and adequate monitoring mechanisms, many atrocities may go unreported, leaving children without protection or justice. There is an urgent need for increased humanitarian aid and support for children affected by conflicts. This includes not only
immediate relief but also long term support such as education, psychological care, and community rebuilding efforts. The U.N. report serves as a stark reminder of the horrific conditions faced by children in conflict zones worldwide. From Sudan and Congo to Haiti and beyond, the international community must take decisive action to protect these vulnerable populations. The plight of children in these regions is a humanitarian crisis that demands immediate
and sustained attention. As Gamba’s warnings indicate, without concerted global efforts, the future for these children remains perilously uncertain.
Two Dead, Nine Injured in Brown University Shooting
Two students were killed and nine others injured after a gunman opened fire at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island, on Saturday, police said.
Authorities have detained a person of interest in his 20s, who is now cooperating with investigators.
The attack occurred around 4:00 p.m. local time (21:00 GMT) at the Holley Engineering Building on the eastern end of the university campus.
Police said the identities of the victims have not yet been released.
Brown University President Christina Paxson confirmed that all those affected, including the deceased, were students.
In a statement on Sunday, Paxson said parts of the campus remained restricted as police continued investigations.
She added that around 2,000 students were relocated to safe locations overnight and expressed gratitude to local residents who opened their homes to students.
Providence Mayor Brett Smiley said seven of the injured students were in stable condition, one was critical, and another had been discharged.
The mayor, who visited victims and their families in hospital, described their courage as “overwhelming” and confirmed that the shelter-in-place order issued earlier had been lifted.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) said the suspect was detained at a hotel in Coventry early Sunday morning based on a lead from Providence Police.
Police Chief Oscar Perez confirmed that officers were no longer searching for additional suspects and were working closely with prosecutors to collect evidence.
President Donald Trump, speaking at the White House, expressed sympathy for the families of the two deceased students and wished a speedy recovery for the nine injured.
The shooting brings the number of mass shootings in the United States in 2025 to 389, according to the Gun Violence Archive, which defines mass shootings as incidents with four or more victims killed or injured, not including the attacker.
Authorities are urging the public to remain vigilant as the investigation continues, while a vigil is scheduled for Sunday evening to support the Brown University community.
Bondi Beach Attack: 15 Dead, Father-Son Gunmen Behind Shooting
A mass shooting at Bondi Beach on Saturday left 15 people dead, including a child aged 10, during a Hanukkah celebration. Authorities are treating the incident as a terror attack.
Police confirmed the shooters were a 50-year-old father and his 24-year-old son.
The father died at the scene, while the son remains in critical condition.
The 50-year-old was a licensed firearms holder; six guns and two improvised devices were recovered from the site.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese called the attack “an act of pure evil”, saying it deliberately targeted the Jewish community, and promised full resources to support the investigation and combat antisemitism.
NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon said quick response, informed by last year’s Bondi stabbing, helped save lives.
328 officers have been deployed to protect Sydney’s Jewish community, while two properties in western Sydney were searched overnight.
Among the victims was British-born Rabbi Eli Schlanger. Eyewitnesses described the chaos, with some saying the gunfire felt like it lasted “an eternity.”
Authorities continue to investigate the attack as Australians reel from the tragedy.
Trump Reacts as ISIS Kills Three Americans in Syria
President Donald Trump has pledged a “very serious retaliation” after an ambush in central Syria on Saturday, killing two U.S. service members and one American civilian interpreter, an attack the United States blames on the Islamic State (ISIS) group.
In a statement and social‑media post, Trump described the assault near Palmyra—a region still volatile and not fully controlled by the Syrian government—as “an ISIS attack against the U.S. and Syria.”
He mourned the three victims as “great American patriots” and confirmed that three other U.S. soldiers wounded in the attack are recovering.
Speaking from the White House before departing for a public event, the president said he expected a firm U.S. response, noting that there will be “very serious retaliation” against ISIS and any group that targets American forces.
Trump noted that Syrian President Ahmed al‑Sharaa, whose government has been cooperating with U.S. forces in counter‑terrorism operations, was “extremely angry and disturbed” by the incident.
The ambush occurred as U.S. troops were engaged in a counter‑terrorism mission alongside Syrian partners; the suspected attacker was killed by coalition forces, U.S. Central Command said.
The identities and units of the deceased are being withheld pending family notification.
Defense officials, including Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, echoed Trump’s stance, issuing stark warnings that the U.S. will pursue individuals or groups that target Americans.
The U.S. maintains a force of around 900 troops in Syria as part of ongoing operations against ISIS remnants, despite the group’s loss of territorial control years earlier.
The attack is the first fatal incident involving U.S. personnel in Syria since the fall of the Assad regime, highlighting persistent security challenges and raising questions about the future scope of U.S. military engagement in the region.
Two Dead, Nine Injured in Brown University Shooting
Bondi Beach Attack: 15 Dead, Father-Son Gunmen Behind Shooting
Trump Reacts as ISIS Kills Three Americans in Syria
Pastor Jerry Eze Defends Miracles At UK Conference Amidst Criticism And Controversy
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