Baobab Research Programme Consortium
1st Global Ministerial Conference to End Violence Against Children: Baobab’s support for Uganda’s commitments on the global stage was reinforced at the first-ever ministerial conference to end violence against children, where Uganda served as a case study demonstrating the importance of a comprehensive approach. By integrating both a national Violence Against Children Survey (VACS) and a humanitarian VACS, Uganda has positioned itself to strengthen violence prevention and response efforts, ensuring protection for children across the country, including those in refugee settings. To operationalise these commitments, a national workplan is being developed, guided by the outcomes of the ministerial conference, with leadership from a dedicated network of state representatives, civil society organisations (CSOs), and other stakeholders, in which Baobab plays a key role.
45th Ordinary Session of the African Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (ACERWC): Baobab joined child rights experts, policymakers, and regional partners in high-level discussions on advancing children’s rights across Africa. The sessions focused on monitoring the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child, tackling emerging protection issues, and sharing progress and challenges faced by member states. Baobab emphasised the urgent need to fill evidence gaps in sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) for vulnerable populations, especially children and youth in refugee settings across the East and Horn of Africa. This engagement reaffirmed Baobab’s commitment to ensuring that evidence drives policy and practice, so every child can grow up safe, protected, and with their rights upheld.
2025 Humanitarian Health Research Forum: Baobab joined a dynamic webinar on “Engaging Communities in Humanitarian Research: How to Share Findings,” hosted by Enhancing Learning and Research for Humanitarian Assistance (Elrha) and APHRC. Held as part of a three-day conference, this in-person session brought together researchers and practitioners to explore how strong evidence and meaningful community engagement can shape and strengthen humanitarian response. The discussion underscored the importance of sharing findings in ways that resonate with affected communities, ensuring that research not only informs policy but also empowers those it seeks to serve.
2024 Sexual Violence Research Initiative (SVRI) Forum: Baobab took part in the world’s largest gathering focused on research and evidence related to violence against women and children. At this global forum, Baobab hosted a dedicated side event, creating space for rich dialogue around its innovative programming in refugee settings across the East and Horn of Africa. Beyond the side event, Baobab researchers served as chairs, moderators, and presenters across multiple sessions, reflecting the consortium’s growing thought leadership and strategic partnerships in the humanitarian research space.