Humanitarian aid workers face increasing threats, with 139 killed worldwide in 2017 and 83 more this year. Attacks are prevalent in conflict zones like South Sudan, Syria, Afghanistan, and the Central African Republic. Humanitarian groups are adopting stricter security measures and seeking ways to negotiate with armed groups. The International Committee of the Red Cross is developing strategies to identify and engage with leaders of armed groups, leveraging local traditions and laws to protect aid workers and ensure the delivery of aid.

Nineteen humanitarian aid groups, including Oxfam International, are calling for immediate action to improve the dire conditions for over 17,000 migrants in Greek island reception centers, which are severely overcrowded. The situation is particularly alarming for women at risk of sexual violence. Local authorities and aid groups report health hazards and inadequate medical services. The Greek government is transferring some asylum-seekers to the mainland and aims to improve processing efficiency. The European Commission's plan for controlled centers is criticized as ineffective. Lesbos remains a key entry point to the EU since the 2015 migrant crisis.

Ibrahim Boubacar Keita has been re-elected as Mali's president and faces the challenge of tackling insecurity, improving the legal system, and boosting the economy. Despite a peace deal signed in 2015, Mali continues to experience inter-communal violence and fighting between armed groups. The government and international forces have struggled to stabilize the country, which has led to a decline in tourism and private investment. Mali's agriculture-based economy has grown, but the benefits have not reached rural areas, leading to widespread food insecurity. Analysts call for government reforms to restore public trust by providing security, justice, and basic services. The 2015 peace accords require disarming fighters and integrating some into the military, but critics say the government is slow to implement these measures. Corruption and a lack of effective security forces hinder progress, while experts suggest judicial reforms and increased political participation to foster reconciliation and reduce the appeal of armed groups.

Over half of the world's children face poverty, conflict, and gender discrimination, with 1 billion living in poverty, 240 million in conflict zones, and 575 million girls in discriminatory environments. The Save the Children's End of Childhood Index indicates improvements in 95 of 175 countries but notes slow progress, especially in childhood-disrupting events. Singapore and Slovenia lead the index, while Niger, Mali, and the Central African Republic rank lowest. The report highlights the triple threat of poverty, conflict, and discrimination against girls, with countries like Nigeria facing significant challenges, including the impact of Boko Haram on education and a high rate of child marriage. Save the Children warns that without urgent action, the UN's Sustainable Development Goals for children will not be met, and Africa's population growth could become a curse without better investment in education and health.