African Council of Religious Leaders – Religions for Peace and UNICEF Call for Peace for Children in Sudan
Nairobi, 21 September 2026 - Today marks the International Day of Peace with the theme, ‘Invest in Peace - For Everyone, Everywhere, Every Day.’
On this day, the African Council of Religious Leaders – Religions for Peace and UNICEF come together with a special call for peace for children living in Sudan.
More than three years on, the war in Sudan continues unabated, and children continue to pay the highest price.
The conflict has exposed children to violence that no child should ever witness.
It has uprooted children and their families in search of safety.
It has forced children out of school and denied them access to basic services.
And it has shattered their dreams and hopes for the future.
But today, on the International Day of Peace, we affirm what peace could mean for children in Sudan.
Peace means upholding every child’s right to a dignified future.
Peace brings stability.
Peace gives children the chance to learn, recover, rebuild their lives and reach their full potential.
Urgent action is needed to end the suffering of children. We call on all parties to the conflict to agree to an immediate ceasefire, enable safe and unimpeded humanitarian access, and take all possible measures to protect children from harm.
Without a lasting resolution, the situation for children in Sudan will only worsen, but with peace, children can reclaim their right to survive and thrive.
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About UNICEF
UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. Across more than 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, to build a better world for everyone.
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About ACRL-RfP
ACRL-RfP is a continental coalition of different faith organizations, faith communities and religious leaders in the continent, working together to advance peace, sustainable development and shared wellbeing. ACRL ’s goal is to promote a multireligious identity, representative multireligious structures at multireligious cooperation at all levels in the continent.
