By Taleen Vartan

NEW YORK, USA, 13 July 2011 – Many schools in Bosnia and Herzegovina still reflect the ethnic tensions that triggered protracted armed conflict in the region in the mid-1990s. They are divided into ‘two-schools under one roof’ and mono-ethnic schools, where children are segregated based on their ethnicity or nationality in mixed regions.

UNICEF Executive Director Anthony Lake addresses the United Nations Security Council about Resolution 1998, which aims to protect schools and hospitals from armed attacks.

By Chris Niles

NEW YORK, 12 July 2011 – UNICEF Executive Director Anthony Lake has welcomed a United Nations Security Council resolution aimed at increasing efforts to protect schools and hospitals from armed attack.

“These horrific attacks are not only a violation of international and humanitarian law, they are a violation of our common humanity,” said Mr Lake. “Today, the Security Council has taken a major step toward ending the culture of impunity and protecting children at their most vulnerable.”

© UNICEF South Sudan 2011/Ingram
Children take part in rehearsals for Saturday's celebrations in Juba marking South Sudan's independence.

By Simon Ingram

JUBA, South Sudan, 8 July, 2011 – The celebrations on the streets of Juba have already begun. School children waving flags and carrying banners have joined tribal warriors and soldiers in rehearsals for Saturday’s big celebrations. As South Sudan gets ready for becoming the world’s newest nation, the pride and excitement is visible on every face.

© UNICEF/NYHQ2009-0949/Kavanagh
In June 2009 in Southern Sudan, a woman and her infant wait for the child to be immunized against tuberculosis and polio at the UNICEF-supported Kotor Health Clinic in Juba.

NEW YORK, 8 July 2011 – “Tomorrow is a historic day for the children and people of South Sudan. After years of conflict, a new country is emerging, with new hope for a more peaceful and prosperous future for all its citizens.

© UNICEF/NYHQ2007-0862/Georgina Cranston
Children attending a class at the Muniki Center Basic School in the Muniki Payam, a north-western sub-district of Juba, capital of South Sudan.

By Rudina Vojvoda

NEW YORK, USA, 6 July 2011 – At the end of this week, Southern Sudan will become an independent nation. Citizens of the newest country in the world, the people of Southern Sudan face immense challenges and immediate threats.

They also stand before a unique opportunity to build a country that is free of war, respectful of human rights and prosperous. Education will play a pivotal role in the future stability and economic development of Southern Sudan.

By Rob McBride

OSH, Kyrgyzstan, 29 June 2011 – In spite of the heat, the smiles on the faces of the children performing their dance of welcome were genuine. They betrayed no hint of the psychological scars they may still be suffering.