“More than ever, Sudanese refugees need the support of the international community to meet their basic needs and enjoy safe asylum.”

Cosmas Chanda, UNHCR Representative in South Sudan, gives an update on the refugee situation in South Sudan since The Elders' visit last July and the efforts of humanitarian staff to provide shelter, clean water and medical treatment to the thousands of people who had fled their homes.

“During the decades of civil war, women were never formally invited into the peace talks – but we showed up anyway.”

On International Women’s Day, Hon. Philister Baya Lawiri, Chair of South Sudan’s Civil Service Commission, highlights the missing ingredient needed in the stalled Sudan-South Sudan peace process: the participation of women.

"It’s not a matter of finger-pointing, but of winning hearts and minds first."

Ntenga Moses of Joy for Children Uganda, a member of the global Girls Not Brides partnership, describes how poverty and years of conflict have helped to perpetuate high rates of child marriage – and how he is working closely with communities to change attitudes towards girls.

Ranaan Paz is an actor, playwright and musician who spent three years as a paratrooper in the Orev Brigade. In this blog, he describes coming to terms with the difficult memories from his time in the army and argues that it is possible for Israelis and Palestinians to live together.