The Mind Alcove:
Robin Reilly
Humanity in Action
A place where global issues meet grounded insight.
Through firsthand experience, interviews with professionals in the field, and methodical research, this platform delivers thoughtful reporting on global affairs. Together, we'll break down complex crises to their historical roots and connect them to modern-day developments. A specific spotlight is cast on the humanitarian organisations working tirelessly behind the scenes, pushing back against conflict and rebuilding where it's needed most.
If you’ve ever wondered how to make sense of global conflict or wanted to help but were not sure of how, this is where we begin!
Article Index (Please click to be directed to your chosen article)
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COMING SOON: UWS - Who Are They?
April 10, 2025
Hope in the Ruins: UNICEF's Fight for Children in Gaza
‘War does not determine who is right, only who is left.’ - Bertrand Russell.
In the climate of 2025, these words echo louder than ever. 50,000 - this is how many Palestinians have been killed as a result of the ongoing Israeli-Hamas conflict (Ebrahim and Dahman, 2025). More than a million children in Gaza currently find themselves deprived of life-saving aid due to the recent blockade (Unicef.org, 2025b). In this day and age we have become desensitized to these numbers, but these are not just numbers. They are mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers and children.
We have seen this catastrophe time and time again, and it is clear that wars breed nothing but destruction, suffering and death. For the purpose of this article, I will be focusing specifically on the Israeli-Hamas conflict, but this is not to ignore the thousands of others who are suffering in other regions of the globe. This conflict is one of the most complex and painful, with decades of historical events and tension buried under the surface - the foundational roots which continue to fuel the ongoing violence today. I once found myself deeply confused by the region's past and I hope that this article helps those who are also struggling to gain a better understanding.
History is immortal; it is the past, present and future, and what is it if not the ultimate lesson for us all? Setting aside politics, I implore you all to see this conflict for what it truly is: a tragedy unfolding in real time. Yes, as you read this, bombs are flying overhead, a child's cradle is emptying, families are starving and people are dying. The world watches as the Palestinian death toll continues to rise, yet organizations like UNICEF stand as beacons of hope. In the famous words of Jimi Hendrix, ‘When the power of love overcomes the love of power, the world will know peace,’ and this, to me, is exactly what lies at the core of UNICEF. Its morals and dedication to the vulnerable pave the way to peace, and you can help build the way amidst our war-torn world by supporting them.
Who is UNICEF?
You have probably heard of UNICEF before but what is it really? What does it do? Well, UNICEF stands for the United Nations Child Fund. Working in over 190 countries, they work tirelessly to help protect the rights of children (UNICEF, 2022), providing and advocating for their education, protecting them from violence and abuse, providing them with medical aid, offering health and nutrition services and keeping them safe from the ever-changing climate and diseases. UNICEF is made up of an amazing 17,000 working members who are committed to protecting the rights and well-being of children wherever they may be and whoever they are. This rights-based approach has become dominant in international policy discourses, acting as the main pillar in international NGOs as well as UNICEF (Jones and Sumner, 2011).
First founded following World War II, UNICEF worked to provide emergency aid to those in need. In 1949, it supported approximately 4 million children and mothers in Albania, Austria, Bulgaria, Czechoslovakia, Finland, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Poland, Romania, and Yugoslavia, and 350 in Palestine. Furthermore, they helped to provide 165 million pounds of milk as well as﹩4 million worth of cotton wool and ﹩600,000 of medical supplies (UNICEF, 1949). Almost 80 years have passed since the establishment of UNICEF yet its mission has never faltered. It is committed to long-term peace and love and this is evident in their dedication to those they help, conducting independent investigations regularly to be certain that their ethics are not being violated. Staff work around the clock and on the ground, reaching those in the most remote areas and alleviating a great deal of suffering.
Palestine and Israel - What is Really Going On?
As mentioned before, the history of this region is complex but vital to acknowledge in order to piece together our understanding of current affairs. The following explanation is largely based on reporting by the BBC (Israel and the Palestinians: History of the Conflict Explained, 2025) as well as ABC News (ABC News, 2023). Prior to 1948, a Jewish and Arab population existed and were governed under that of the Ottoman Empire. (The region was typically referred to as the Ottoman Empire's southern Levant.) However, after World War I and the collapse of the Ottoman Empire, the British took over and ruled under a mandate from the League of Nations. At this time, there was an Arab majority and a Jewish minority and tensions grew as Arab rebellions took place, as well as there being an increase in mass Jewish migration following the Holocaust in World War II.
In 1947, the United Nations proposed a plan to divide the land into two separate states, one for the Jews and one for the Arabs, with Jerusalem becoming an international city. The Jewish community accepted, creating the state of Israel, whereas the Arab community did not. This catalyzed a significant year-long period of conflict. Moreover, Israel declared independence in 1948, resulting in the Arab-Israeli War between the Israelis and an array of Arab nations. Fighting came to an end in 1949, with Israel having taken more Arab land than had been originally agreed upon by the UN. This left the Palestinian territories without a recognized independent state. Thousands fled their homes due to violence or as a result of being forced out, many believing they would one day return, but were never allowed back. Approximately 750,000 Palestinians were displaced and this is known as the ‘Nakba’ or the ‘catastrophe’ by the Palestinians. This is where the modern refugee crisis and the long-term struggle for Palestine's independence began. After the conflict, agreements were put into place, leaving Jordan occupying the West Bank and East Jerusalem, Egypt occupying the Gaza Strip, Syria occupying the Golan Heights and Israel occupying West Jerusalem. Palestinian refugees ended up in places such as the West Bank, Gaza Strip, Lebanon, Jordan, and Syria in camps that still exist to this day.
The Six-Day War of 1967 and the Beginning of the Modern War
The Palestinians continued to feel the side effects of conflict during the Six-Day War of 1967. During this war, which was triggered by an Israeli strike launched on Egypt’s air force, Israel fought Egypt, Syria, and Jordan. The result of the conflict was Israel's capture of even more land. This consisted of the Sinai Peninsula and Gaza from Egypt as well as a significant portion of the Golan Heights from Syria and finally East Jerusalem and the West Bank from Jordan. Here Israel built many settlements and approximately one million Palestinians came under Israeli control. The occupation of these respective areas has lasted to this day and is considered illegal by the UN. Palestinians have repeatedly called for their own state, demonstrated through two major uprisings in 1987 and 2000, along with futile peace talks. Moreover, it was during the first intifada in 1987 that Hamas formed as an armed resistance group.
To come back to the modern age, in 2005, Israel withdrew from the Gaza Strip, one of the most densely populated areas. This was known as the ‘disengagement plan’. However, Israel kept control of Gaza’s border, the airspace, and the sea. Hamas is a significant group within the modern-day conflict, designated as a terrorist group by many and committed to the destruction of Israel. Winning democratic elections in 2006, Hamas took control of Gaza in the following year. However, it was unwilling to abandon its violence towards Israel, leading to its isolation from the international community. A blockade was imposed by Israel and Egypt in the same year, which Israel states was for security measures, preventing weapons from reaching Hamas. The blockade has resulted in severe living conditions with the deterioration of health systems, employment, and infrastructure. To this day, there have been multiple conflicts between Israel and Hamas, leading to profound destruction in Gaza and the deaths of thousands, most of whom are civilians. Today, millions of Palestinians live without basic rights, as refugees or under Israeli control. It is important to note that while Hamas claims to defend Palestinian land, many countries do not trust it as a governing force and blame them for worsening the war. As you can see, this conflict is not limited to the actions of a singular party or the events of a decade or two, but dates back a hundred years and is steeped in issues of land, freedom, and identity.
The Role of UNICEF and the Breakdown of the January Ceasefire
As the war continues to rage on, UNICEF works in the background, coming to the aid of millions. In January of this year, a ceasefire was initiated, with an intended exchange of hostages and prisoners, bringing an end to hostilities. However, this has broken down as of March 18th 2025, as Israel launched airstrikes on Gaza, effectively ending the ceasefire. To find out more, I heavily encourage you to visit this website, where a news-video explanation is also available. This video does include some graphic content and viewer discretion is advised.
An aid blockade has been implemented since the 2nd of March and this is proving to have detrimental effects, leaving millions without support (Unicef.org, 2025b). 'For over a month, no commercial or humanitarian supplies have entered Gaza’ (Unicef.org, 2025c). It is not that there is no support but that support has been barred from being given - ‘Food, medicine, fuel and shelter supplies are piling up’ (Unicef.org, 2025c). ‘UNICEF has thousands of pallets of aid waiting to enter the Gaza Strip’ (Unicef.org, 2025b). As a result of the ceasefire breaking down and the continuation of intense violence in the Gaza Strip, at least 322 children have died and 609 have been injured (Unicef.org, 2025a). This information was published on the 31st of March and thus, casualties have undoubtedly risen beyond this figure. UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell also states: ‘The ceasefire in Gaza provided a desperately needed lifeline for Gaza’s children and hope for a path to recovery…But children have again been plunged into a cycle of deadly violence and deprivation. All parties must adhere to their obligations under international humanitarian law to protect children' (Unicef.org, 2025a).
During the ceasefire, UNICEF worked to repair critical wells and water points to support the availability of safe drinking water; however, with the collapse of the ceasefire, repairs have been forced to a halt and access to safe drinking water has plummeted for 1 million people (Unicef.org, 2025b). The everyday commodities we take for granted, such as water, food, medical care, and shelter, are a constant battle for Palestinians in the Gaza Strip. Disease and malnutrition are likely to skyrocket, leading to the preventable deaths of thousands. Nevertheless, UNICEF is tirelessly working, despite dangerous conditions and the limits imposed, to provide support to children and their families. Unicef.org (2025b) provides up-to-date information, explaining how they have consistently called on influential states to intervene, uphold international law, and push all parties involved to end the violence and restore the ceasefire. Furthermore, UNICEF continues to deliver services such as the resumption of neonatal health care services and the provision of 21 respiratory machines, saving the lives of 150 newborns. More than 33,500 have been screened for acute malnutrition and more than 7,800 under 2 years old have been provided with Ready to Use Complementary Food (RUCF). As well as this, UNICEF is also currently working to reunite children with their parents who have been separated due to displacement.
Closing Sentiments
‘Education is the premise of progress, in every society, in every family.’- Kofi Annan
In closing, we as individuals are lucky enough to access education, and as such, the least we can do as part of humanity is to educate ourselves on the conflicts that tear apart the lives of millions. Ignorance may be bliss, but it is also a significant barrier to empathy. UNICEF is the vehicle through which change takes a tangible form, and our education of its efforts is vital. We may not have a large influence over the actions of political figures but we do have an immediate say in who we follow and what we support. You can choose today to spread awareness through a simple conversation with a family member or a peer. If you would like to have an even greater impact, I highly encourage you to donate directly to the organization. I hope this article has helped to deepen your understanding of the conflict in the Middle East.
Safety is our gift, but silence risks our humanity.
Reference List
ABC News (2023). The origins of the Hamas-Israel conflict explained | ABC News. [online] www.youtube.com. Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zsNj8DiJv-A.
Ebrahim, N. and Dahman, I. (2025). 50,000 killed in Gaza since start of Israel-Hamas war, health ministry says. [online] CNN. Available at: https://edition.cnn.com/2025/03/23/middleeast/50-000-killed-in-gaza-since-start-of-israel-hamas-war-intl/index.html.
Israel and the Palestinians: History of the Conflict Explained. (2025). BBC News. [online] 20 Jan. Available at: https://www.bbc.com/news/newsbeat-44124396.
Jones, N. and Sumner, A. (2011). Child poverty and well-being. Bristol University Press eBooks, [online] pp.7–24. doi:https://doi.org/10.2307/j.ctt9qgpkz.7.
UNICEF (2022). What We Do. [online] UNICEF. Available at:
https://www.unicef.org/what-we-do.
UNICEF. (1949). Social Service Review, [online] 23(3), pp.390–391. doi:https://doi.org/10.2307/30018354.
Unicef.org. (2025a). At least 322 children reportedly killed in the Gaza Strip following breakdown of ceasefire. [online] Available at: https://www.unicef.org/press-releases/least-322-children-reportedly-killed-gaza-strip-following-breakdown-ceasefire.
Unicef.org. (2025b). More than a million children in the Gaza Strip deprived of lifesaving aid for over one month. [online] Available at: https://www.unicef.org/press-releases/more-million-children-gaza-strip-deprived-lifesaving-aid-over-one-month.
Unicef.org. (2025c). World must act with urgency to save Palestinians in Gaza. [online] Available at:
https://www.unicef.org/press-releases/world-must-act-urgency-save-palestinians-gaza.
Diagram of the mentioned territories:
A special thank you to the Director of UNICEF in Japan, Mr Roberto Benes and his colleagues for supporting me in the creation of this article.
June 7, 2025
Beyond Borders: Refugee Week, 2025
What Does It Mean to Belong?
For millions around the world, the answer lies not within the geographical confines of a nation’s borders, but in the connections we foster with others, in shared laughter, meals, and open conversation. ‘Community as a superpower’ - this year’s global Refugee Week theme (Refugee Week, 2024) - invites us to recognise the fortitude that lives through the simple act of coming together.
As of mid-2024, a total of 122.6 million people have been forcibly displaced worldwide as a result of violence, persecution, and human rights violations (UNHCR, 2024). At a time when more people are being displaced than ever before, belonging becomes not just a personal feeling but a force that transcends borders and calls on humanity to join hands. Community, then, is the tangible expression of that call - a space where humanity takes form in action.
For the first time in history, Japan will participate in its inaugural Refugee Week, joining a global movement that celebrates the creativity, contributions, and resilient journeys of refugees. First established in the UK in 1998, the movement has since spread its influence across the globe. Its programme of events aims to bring people together and foster a deeper understanding between refugees and local communities. This is what lies at the core of Refugee Week. Moreover, as an open platform, anyone can contribute and hold their own campaigns and events. Last year, Refugee Week featured a wide range of activities, drawing 1.1 million participants in the UK alone and reaching 69.5 million people globally through social media. In total, 17 countries hosted their own versions of Refugee Week in their corners of the world (Data collected by Month of Community).
Refugee Week in 2025: Organisers and Support
Now, in 2025, a significant pillar of Japan’s Refugee Week is a collaborative event on June 22 at FabCafe, Shibuya - a participatory workshop that brings together food, dialogue, and artistic exploration. Curator for socially engaged programs in Japan, Tomo Ikegami, new media artist Eric Siu, and the volunteer-driven initiative Photohoku have united their talents to create a space for empathy, storytelling, and connection. And of course, delicious food! Together, Ikegami and Siu will lead a talk and cooking workshop, where the significance of Refugee Week will be explored. Hong Kongese, Ukrainian, and other international participants will cook together, share meals, and engage in open conversations. Meanwhile, on the second floor, Photohoku will lead an initiative showcasing photographs of the participating community, offering a visual narrative of belonging, resilience, and shared humanity. The talk portion of the event is open to the public, and we look forward to seeing you there!
As renowned photojournalist Ami Vitale once shared with me:
‘Empathy is the wellspring of creativity’
And who understands that better than those working to make this milestone not just a step into the international spotlight but also a meaningful movement?
As explained in TEDx Talks (2016), Eric Siu is the inventor of ‘Touchy,’ the human camera (worn on the head like a helmet) - a device he created to explore communication beyond society’s increasingly technology-driven norms. Rather than relying on screens and filtered exchanges, Touchy encouraged genuine human connection through eye contact and physical touch. When someone maintained ten seconds of continuous touch, the device would snap a photo, capturing the moment of interaction. At its core, Touchy served as a tool to dissolve the invisible bubbles we all carry and instead invite a sense of communal love and intimacy. Through this project, Siu discovered not only how to channel his own love into art but also how to inspire connection and love between others.
Tomo Ikegami has extensive experience working with contemporary art museums and has been instrumental in developing socially engaged artist residency programs. She embarked on a one-year research project funded by the Agency for Cultural Affairs, Government of Japan, focusing on how arts and cultural initiatives can drive social change and support migrant communities.
Photohoku and Their Support
Photohoku is also participating by supporting the event at FabCafe. Founded by Brian Scott Peterson and Yuko Yoshikawa, Photohoku was created in response to the devastating 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami. Its name, a blend of ‘photo’ and ‘tohoku’, reflects its mission: helping survivors rebuild their lost family photo albums, and with them, their personal histories.
However and fascinatingly, Photohoku operates in an unconventional way. Rather than simply taking photographs, they give back to the community by volunteering to take instant portraits, which are printed and handed directly to families affected by the disaster. Since 2011, the project has grown well beyond the Tohoku region, inspiring many similar initiatives across Japan.
In this way, Photohoku resonates deeply with Vitale’s idea, placing empathy at the heart of its cause and purpose.
Why Is Refugee Week Important to Japan?
Well, immigration to Japan has increased by 5.2% between 2023 and 2024, reaching a new record of 3,588,956 people in June (Immigration Services Agency, 2024). In response, the government had introduced a new ‘Specified Skilled Worker’ residence status aimed at training and integrating foreign workers. This initiative is crucial given Japan’s declining birth rate, with estimates predicting that the foreign population will grow by another 820,000 people over the next five years.
As the number of immigrants rises, it becomes increasingly important to deepen our understanding of immigrant refugees and foster welcoming environments within local communities. Furthermore, despite the growing immigrant population, only 303 people who applied for refugee status were officially recognized in 2024.
Through Japan’s engagement with Refugee Week, we aim to strengthen the multicultural society that already lives here and promote greater inclusion and support for refugees and immigrants alike.
This movement is a call - a call to action, shared hope and enduring solidarity.
Reference List
Immigration Services Agency (2024). 令和６年６月末現在における在留外国人数について | 出入国在留管理庁. [online] Moj.go.jp. Available at: https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/publications/press/13_00047.html.
Refugee Week (2024). Theme of Refugee Week 2025: Community as a Superpower. [online] Refugee Week. Available at: https://refugeeweek.org.uk/theme-of-refugee-week-2025-community-as-a-superpower/.
TEDx Talks (2016). Touching Moments | Eric Siu aka TOUCHY | TEDxTokyoTeachers. [online] YouTube. Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V0-Ymiy8Cl0 [Accessed 7 Jun. 2025].
UNHCR (2024). UNHCR - Refugee Statistics. [online] UNHCR. Available at: https://www.unhcr.org/refugee-statistics.
Please find Japan’s official Refugee Week poster as well as
Additional Information
All are welcome to attend the talk event on the 22nd of June!
A special thank you to Tomo Ikegami and Eric Siu as well as the Photohoku team for supporting me in the creation of this article.
July 1, 2025
A Fight for Tomorrow: How Two Sisters in Gaza Are Holding On to Their Dreams
“Our lives were turned upside down overnight.”
“For the second year in a row, I am spending my birthday in the middle of war. I want my next years to be better, brighter and filled with purpose. We are young women with goals, stories, and the will to rise.”
These are the brave words of Reema Khalaf and her sister Diana, two young women from Gaza who have witnessed their home, their education, and their future torn apart by war. Yet, they remain two admirable individuals who exude an enduring determination and hope for their futures.
Yes, we see the headlines and hear the statistics, but have you truly taken the time to understand the reality of a real person living in Gaza? This is an opportunity not just to amplify these sisters’ voices, but also to give you the chance to understand on a deeper level.
For many of us, Gaza is a distant concept. It is something we read about in news articles or scroll past on social media, but while we can swipe or skip past the discomfort, the same cannot be said for Reema and Diana. Their lives are not just the backdrop for a headline; they are the living, breathing stories behind the statistics, illuminating the countless futures caught in limbo as the conflict continues. While the world's attention shifts to the ongoing tensions between Israel and Iran, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues to worsen. More than 800 Palestinians have been killed in the recent escalation (Burke, 2025). Burke explains that Israel, having closed the most direct route via crossings into Northern Gaza, will lead to a heightened risk of famine for thousands.
I recently sat in an Apple store, waiting for service on my broken MacBook. All around were pristine, clinical edges of technology, people immersed in VR headsets and consuming endless ads for the latest iPhone model. At that moment, I thought to myself: how odd, and truly cruel, life can be. While I sit here in a place safe and privileged, someone of the same age, with the same or even greater ambitions than mine, lives a reality shaped by war. And what divides us? The answer: geographical luck. Now, is it not our duty to support those who fall victim to the horrific circumstances forced onto them?
In a week, I knew I would have my computer fixed, and though my education had been momentarily disrupted, it would continue. Tomorrow, we will wake up with our education and careers intact, but what of Reema’s and Diana’s? Everything Reema has worked for now “hangs by a thread”. As young people, we share the same aspirations and rights to education. The difference is that, for Reema and Diana, their reality is subject to a war they did not choose.
What of Gaza’s youth?
Over 90% of schools in Gaza have been struck and damaged (UNRWA, 2024). A report from April 2024 reveals that 10 out of 16 university campuses in Gaza have either been destroyed or severely damaged (Ashing, Sherif and Egeland, 2024).
Reema, 22, and her younger sister, Diana, 18, struggle alongside thousands of young people, not just for their right to education, but also for survival. Reema explains, “Israeli airstrikes completely destroyed our home, and our lives were turned upside down overnight. We have been displaced, living in fear and uncertainty. Every day is a struggle - emotionally, physically, and mentally.”
Although a personal account, this is the reality for many Palestinians who have experienced deep psychological scars due to relentless bombing and constant displacement. According to War Child (2024, para 3), 96% of children feel that death is imminent, with nearly half believing they will die as a result of the war. Moreover, many fall subject to severe anxiety, alongside a debilitating sense of hopelessness. Can you imagine the weight of these feelings and fears on a person, let alone on a child?
Reema continues: “We have no stable shelter, no safety, and no clear path forward. The war took more than just our home. We lost our education, our sense of normalcy, and even our beloved cat, Max, who was part of our family and brought us comfort through dark times.”
Studying tirelessly to pursue her dream in software engineering, Reema had been accepted into several UK universities. However, due to the war as well as border closure, she now finds herself trapped and risks losing these opportunities, ultimately leaving her future uncertain. Diana also faced a cut in her education and was unable to graduate from high school. Nevertheless, the two sisters are a testament to what it means to be determined and hopeful.
“We are young women with goals, stories, and the will to rise. We just need a chance to learn, to live with dignity, and to heal.”
I believe there is great power in solidarity, and Reema affirmed this sentiment when she shared that, with the care of others, she believes better days are truly possible. With continued assistance, there is still a chance for her to live the future she dreams of.
Please take a moment to watch the video Reema and Diana have created below, and consider contributing to their GoFundMe. Each donation brings them one step closer to the life they deserve and have worked tirelessly for. The support of strangers may seem small on the surface, but it is a gift that transcends borders. Let Reema’s 22nd birthday be filled with the warmth of our collective action, whether through emotional encouragement or tangible aid.
I leave you with Diana and Reema’s heartfelt request: “Please share our story, and help us access the education we have worked so hard for. Don’t let this opportunity slip away.”
Reference List
Ashing, I., Sherif, Y. and Egeland, J. (2024). Education under attack in Gaza, with nearly 90% of school buildings damaged or destroyed. [online] Save the Children International. Available at: https://www.savethechildren.net/blog/education-under-attack-gaza-nearly-90-school-buildings-damaged-or-destroyed.
Burke, J. (2025). Israel closes the most direct route for aid to Palestinians in Gaza. [online] the Guardian. Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/jun/26/israel-closes-the-most-direct-route-for-aid-to-palestinians-in-gaza.
UNRWA (2024). Ongoing war in Gaza will set children and young people’s education back by up to five years, report suggests. [online] Unrwa.org. Available at: https://www.unrwa.org/newsroom/notes/ongoing-war-gaza-will-set-children-and-young-people%E2%80%99s-education-back-five-years.
War Child (2024). New Study: Gaza’s Children Face Severe Psychological Toll Amid Catastrophic War. [online] Warchild.net. Available at: https://www.warchild.net/news/new-study-gaza-children-psychological-toll/.
Reema and Diana's message to you:
A special thank you to Diana and Reema Khalaf for sharing their story.
October 3, 2025
War Child UK and Unpacking the DRC Crisis
In 1993, filmmakers David Wilson and Bill Leeson, alongside social entrepreneur Willemijn Verloop, founded War Child UK after witnessing the horrific ethnic cleansing of Bosnian Muslims, or ‘Bosniaks,’ during the Bosnian war (1992-95) (Wikipedia Contributors, 2019). Furthermore, the absence of professional psychological support for the youth contributed to the need for such an initiative, driving these three individuals to take action. War Child UK is a non-profit organisation dedicated to supporting children in areas of conflict and striving to ‘ensure a safe future for every child living through war...reaching those who need us most, when they need us most’(War Child, 2025). As such, War Child is dedicated to improving access to education, broader opportunities and providing psychological care to some of the most vulnerable areas in the world, beginning with an initial project in Afghanistan (2002), followed by work in Iraq and the Democratic Republic of Congo (2004), the Central African Republic (2014), and in 2017, became the first international NGO in Yemen since the beginning of the Yemeni Civil War (War Child, n.d.).
Through direct correspondence with Kumar Satkunarasa (War Child's Challenge and Community Fundraising Manager), this article aims to shine a light on one of the largest and deadliest humanitarian crises in the world, yet one largely overlooked: that of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Alongside an examination of the contextual and historical elements of the conflict, I will also reflect on War Child’s vital support for children and their families mainly in the Eastern Congo. In the DRC, 14.9 million are in need of humanitarian assistance, 900,000 are out of school and 3.5 million children are displaced (War Child, n.d.). Moreover, conditions continue to worsen as attacks by militant groups such as the M23 show no signs of abating (UN News, 2025), while health services also decline (War Child, n.d.). By analysing the deep-seated factors and multitude of ‘actors’ (Lawal, 2024) shaping the ongoing conflict, a clearer and more comprehensive understanding of current affairs in the DRC can be achieved. Consequently, the significance of War Child’s humanitarian support will also become evident.
The following explanation is largely based on reporting by the BBC (BBC News, 2019). Much of the DRC’s current conflict can be traced back to the Rwandan Genocide of 1994, in which an estimated 800,000 people were killed over the course of 100 days. This violence was triggered by the outbreak of war between two groups, both native to Rwanda: the Tutsis and the Hutus. The Tutsis were the minority, comprising 14% of the population while the Hutus made up 85%. Despite this, the Tutsis had dominated the country, arguably favoured by Belgian leaders who had ruled Rwanda as part of its colonial empire from 1916 to 1962 (Britannica, 2019). Resentment towards Tutsi dominance led to a Hutu rebellion and eventually Rwanda’s independence from Belgium in 1962. Tensions remained high between the two native parties, manifesting in 1994, when Hutu extremists systematically targeted and murdered hundreds of thousands of Tutsis. However, the Tutsi-led Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF) seized control of the country and significantly continues to hold power today. As a result of the 1994 genocide, an estimated one million Hutus fled into the DRC, consisting of both innocent refugees and the extremists responsible for the killing of thousands, many of whom remain in the DRC. As a result, Tutsi militias have constantly invaded the Congo under the pretext of hunting Hutu extremist rebels. Despite this goal, ongoing violence has led to the indiscriminate suffering of countless innocent lives. For example, in the present day, the use of Rwanda-backed rebel forces, such as the M23 militia, has not only pushed deeper and deeper into the Congo but has committed unforgivable atrocities in the process, murdering thousands, massacring villages and raping women and girls (Townsend, 2024). This attempt to eliminate a threatening party mirrors the tragic situation in Israel and Palestine, where attempts to destroy Hamas have ultimately resulted in the deaths of thousands of Palestinians, the majority of whom are civilians. In both cases, violence has escalated far beyond its original objectives, inflicting horrific suffering on the communities caught in the crossfire.
Additionally, an often overlooked yet critical factor for ongoing unrest in the DRC must be addressed: despite Rwanda denying all allegations of exploiting Congolese minerals, the UN has reported that by December 2024, ‘around 120 tonnes of coltan’ were being ‘sent by the M23 to Rwanda every four weeks’ (Zane and Chibelushi, 2025). On an even deeper level, the omission of Western and other foreign involvement is striking and highlights a sinister reality. Did you know that 70% of the world's cobalt reserves are sourced from the DRC (Save the Children, 2024)? Shockingly, 40,000 child-labourers, as young as six years old, earn less than $2 per day working in mines with tools as little as their hands (Lawson, 2021). At first, this may seem a distant issue, while in reality it is this process and mineral that powers the devices in our homes. Contrary to popular belief, what fuels much of the DRC’s humanitarian crisis lies quietly at the feet of larger foreign powers and corporations, driven by global capitalism and facilitated by consumers unknowingly complicit in the exploitation.
The DRC is home to $24 trillion worth of untapped resources, rendering it the world's wealthiest nation in terms of natural wealth (EU GSP, 2021). This begs the question: is the DRC truly poor, as is widely depicted, or is it being exploited? In truth, the early and brutal colonial rule of King Leopold in the 1800s set a tragic precedent for resource extraction and exploitation—one that continues today, albeit in more subtle and often indirect forms. Thus, while military conflict and internal dissent have undeniably played their part, a greed for money and minerals has also facilitated the prolonged mass suffering of millions in the DRC. The Congolese people have been, and continue to be, stripped of the wealth and stability that their resources have the potential to provide.
So where does War Child fit into this complex situation? Well, with operations expanding to the DRC in 2004, it has worked to combat armed conflict, abuse and exclusion for over two decades, through the provision of child protection, psychological care and improved education. Their operations span mainly across the Eastern DRC, including ‘North and South Kivu in the areas Masisi, Goma, Bunyakiri and Minova’(War Child, n.d.). Moreover, in light of escalated conflict in the East, between January and February 2025, ReliefWeb (2025) reported over 400 new cases of children being associated with armed groups. This often involves the abduction of children off of the streets and from their schools, who are then trained against their will to handle weapons. As such, War Child’s commitment to the reintegration of children recruited or previously used by armed groups is a vital pillar of humanitarian care. War Child also provides employment opportunities, demonstrating a sustainable and long-term approach to care as well as providing short-term aid. As of 2023, War Child has supported 79,379 kids and adults, helping to rebuild lives and restore hope (War Child, n.d.).
To offer both a personal and professional perspective on the impact of War Child’s work, I asked Kumar Satkunarasa, the following question:
“Through your experience working at War Child, what personal moment or memory has stayed with you most, and how did it deepen your commitment to the organisation’s mission or reshape the way you see its impact?”
Since joining War Child in January 2024, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing countless moments that remind me daily why this work matters. I speak to fundraisers who push themselves beyond limits. Whether that’s swimming across continents, running ultra-marathons, or hosting incredible community events filled with music, theatre, dance, and food. Each of them brings a unique and deeply personal reason for supporting War Child, and their commitment constantly renews my own.
But one story in particular has stayed with me: the story of Ramine, a 16-year-old from the Democratic Republic of Congo. The long-running conflict in the eastern region has left millions of children at risk, 13.5 million, to be exact, facing dangers like recruitment into armed groups and the heavy emotional toll of war.
Ramine was one of those children. He shared with us:
“I joined a militia in the woods. I was living in the worst possible way, fleeing attacks by the National Army. But now I’m living with my family again. They treat me well and send me to school. I’m allowed back in the community.”
His words are a powerful reminder of what’s at stake and what’s possible. Knowing that War Child played a role in helping Ramine return to his family, regain his education, and find acceptance again reinforces why I do what I do. His story stays with me because it’s not just a story of survival. It’s a story of hope, healing, and the transformative power of community and care.
It’s moments like these that deepen my commitment to War Child’s mission and make me more determined than ever to ensure every child affected by war gets the chance to reclaim their future.
Reflecting on Kumar’s response, and the life that Ramine was forced into and later freed from, has had a significant impact on me. It serves as a powerful testament to the resilience of both those who endure oppression and the courage of those who boldly stand up against it.
Interestingly, War Child not only partners with local organisations but also with the music and gaming industries. Music, in particular, holds significant precedence, with the album ‘HELP’ becoming a central landmark to War Child. The date was September 1995; Sir Paul McCartney, Oasis, Blur and Radiohead came together to record the album in just 3 days, raising a whopping £1.25 million (War Child, n.d.)! Ten years later, in 2005, a new generation of artists recorded ‘Help! A Day In The Life’ in a single day. Most recently, in June 2018, Arctic Monkeys performed a live show at the Royal Albert Hall, raising £250,000 (War Child, n.d.).
On the other side of entertainment lies the gaming industry. Since 2006, when War Child first began collaborating with gaming communities in an effort to reach more children through innovative means, over 5 million pounds have been raised. A decade later came the launch of ‘Armistice’—a campaign calling for peaceful gameplay. The event saw the pacification of war games with soldiers putting their guns down and taking up snowballs instead. Held every November, the campaign has raised over 1.5 million pounds and is supported by 50 of the world’s largest conflict and war-themed games (War Child, n.d.).
At times, it can feel as though we, as individuals, are unable to make significant change, or that our singular contributions would not make much of a difference. However, this could not be further from the truth. Through student-led initiatives, significant sums of money can be raised, which directly contribute to improving lives around the world. In June of this year, I organised and led a bake sale within my school community, with the aim of raising awareness for War Child. Ultimately, we raised ¥57,237 in funds. From this experience, and through correspondence with Kumar, I have witnessed firsthand how small ideas can evolve into tangible and meaningful impact. No matter the country, school or circumstance, ideas and initiative truly can, and will, change the world—even if they begin on a smaller, local scale. Given our education and the access we have to learn about the less fortunate circumstances of others, is it not our responsibility to take action?
In conclusion, long pushed to the sidelines of mainstream media, the crisis in the DRC is an important conversation that deserves to take centre stage, on par with other contemporary conflicts capturing global attention. Furthermore, the roles of both external foreign exploitation and internal parties must be observed in conjunction to truly understand the complexity of the DRC crisis. Ultimately, despite years of destruction and violence, it is the work of organisations like War Child that stand as vital pillars of care, nurturing the lives of thousands of children who need it most, in the world’s most volatile areas.
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A special thank you to Kumar Satkunarasa for supporting me throughout both my fundraiser and the creation of this article.