Humanity First UK invites you to join this important session at the United Nations in Geneva. This forum will bring together leaders, diplomats, researchers, and human rights advocates to discuss actionable solutions for children affected by conflict.
Event details
- Date: Friday, 31 October 2025
- Time: 13.00–15.00 CET
- Location: United Nations, Geneva — Room XI
Background
In accordance with UN Human Rights Council Resolution 56/12, the 2025 Social Forum focuses on the contribution of education to the respect, promotion, protection and fulfilment of all human rights for all.
This side event brings together key actors working with children in conflict zones to explore how education and healthcare are fundamental tools to uphold children’s rights and human dignity. Children are disproportionately affected in humanitarian crises and armed conflict. Denied access to quality education and healthcare, they become both immediate and long-term victims of systemic human rights violations.
The session aims to elevate field perspectives and present policy recommendations to better integrate education and healthcare access as part of a holistic human rights strategy. It will also feature videos to engage participants further in the discussion.
Schedule
- 0:00–0:05 Welcome and opening remarks
- 0:05–0:25 Panel presentations (5 minutes per speaker)
- 0:25–1:00 Interactive Q&A with audience (40 minutes)
Speakers
Moderator
- Anwar Mehmood Ur Rehman — International Consultant for Human Rights and Development
Opening speaker
- Prof. Muhammadou M. O. Kah — Ambassador of Gambia to the UN Geneva. The use of IT in education and ensuring youth are protected and skilled.
Panel speakers
- Sitara Brooj Akbar — Cancer Researcher, University of Oxford. Integrating child health and education in human rights frameworks.
- Dr. Raouf Salti — Founder, Children’s Right to Healthcare. Healthcare access in emergencies.
- Kate Takes — Lawyer, Children Not Numbers. Documenting the human cost of conflict in Gaza.
- H.E. Hoyce Anderson Temu — Deputy Ambassador of Tanzania to UN Geneva. The role of the media in promoting education.
- Pradeep Wagle — Chief, ESCR Section, OHCHR Geneva. Role of OHCHR in promoting education and development.
- Paulette Diakité Lacroix — OIEC Representative to the UN Geneva. Promoting education in areas of conflict.
- Dr. Aziz Hafiz — Chairman, Humanity First UK. Education as a tool for resilience in post-conflict recovery.
Who should attend
This session is open to diplomats, NGOs, humanitarian organisations, academics, and anyone working to advance children’s rights in conflict zones. Please note: registration is required in advance to attend this event.
Register for the event · Download calendar reminder
Humanity First — Knowledge for Life (KFL) programme
Every child deserves the best chance to learn, access quality education, and build a brighter future. Through our Knowledge for Life (KFL) programme, Humanity First supports and promotes education systems that eliminate disparities and create equal opportunities for both children and adults.
Since 2005, we have built 45+ schools, established 33+ training centres, and supported nearly 288,000 students worldwide. Our flagship Masroor Senior Secondary School in The Gambia now serves over 1,400 students equally between girls and boys, and ranks among the top schools in the country.
KFL is focused on regions with the highest need, especially sub-Saharan Africa where more than half of the world’s out-of-school children live.
Our work includes:
- Building and refurbishing schools and vocational training centres
- Empowering teachers and students to enable sustainable learning outcomes
- Equipping young people with skills for self-reliance and poverty reduction
Beyond classrooms, Humanity First provides vocational training in trades such as tailoring, IT, catering, electrical work, and driving. Over 2,000 students have graduated from these programmes across countries including Uganda, Gambia, Mali, Liberia, and Burkina Faso.
We envision a world where no child is left behind, where boys and girls can equally access education and grow into a confident generation shaping a better future.