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On the occasion of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) of Lebanon, we submitted to the United Nations, together with our Lebanese partners the Good Shepherd Sisters and Tahaddi, a joint report on children’s rights focusing on five key themes: education, health, mental health, violence against children and statelessness. It is based on interviews conducted with 74 children including refugee and stateless children, as well as parents and professionals. In November 2025, on the margins of the civil society UPR pre-session, we welcomed Elissa to Geneva, a young woman working for the Good Shepherd Sisters.

In Cameroon, our partner la Chaîne des Foyers Saint-Nicodème supports children in vulnerable situations, helping them rebuild their lives and reintegrate into society. Based in Douala, our partner runs centres welcoming children in street situations. Children find there a protective and structured environment where they can return to school, learn vocational skills, rebuild their self-confidence, and envision a sustainable future. It is within this protective and nurturing environment that we met Allan, aged 13, who kindly agreed to share his story and dreams with us.

On 8 December 2025, FAAI organised its first-ever event at the United Nations in Geneva, in partnership with Ms Mama Fatima Singhateh, UN Special Rapporteur on the Sale, Sexual Exploitation, and Sexual Abuse of Children. Bringing together 25 representatives from Permanent Missions, the event aimed to raise awareness among UN Member States about the situation of children in street situations and the urgent need to protect them from sexual exploitation. The initiative was also supported by numerous co-sponsoring Permanent Missions, including South Africa, Uruguay, the European Union, Germany, Slovenia, Lithuania, as well as other organisations.

In Geneva, the Birdhouse, our professional integration restaurant for young people who have dropped out of school, continues to grow. To strengthen its visibility and highlight its impact, we are looking for a motivated, creative and committed person to join our team from 2026. This person will also support the overall communication related to FAAI’s activities.

This year, on the occasion of World Children’s Day, celebrated on 20 November, together with several of our local partners, we chose to shed light on the violence experienced by children in street situations. Although the Convention on the Rights of the Child affirms that every child has the right to be protected from all forms of violence, this promise remains out of reach for children in street situations.

Meeting Dorcas, formerly in a street situation, an educator and a nurse-educator, who share the challenges and hopes of children living in street situations: In Kinshasa, thousands of children living on the streets are exposed to violence, exploitation and exclusion. Although the Convention on the Rights of the Child guarantees protection and dignity for every child, this promise often remains out of reach for those growing up on the streets.