KABUL, Afghanistan, 3 July 2008 ? In spite of impressive progress made in the past seven years, the security situation in Afghanistan continues to threaten the gains made by the country's women and children.

HOKKAIDO, Japan, 3 July 2008 ? The Junior 8 Summit opened yesterday with thunderous performance by young local drummers at a traditional ceremony in Hokkaido, Japan. The meeting brings together a group of children and young people who promise to make an even bigger noise on the world stage.

NEW YORK, USA, 3 July 2008 ? UNICEF will be the focus of a special global broadcast on CNN and CNN International this Sunday.

NIAMEY, Niger, 2 July 2008 ? Souley, 16, lives on the streets of Niamey, Niger's capital. He spends most days at the local Educative, Preventive and Judiciary Service (SEJUP) centre, where he is learning skills that will enable him to earn a living and stay out of trouble.

KAMPUNG PETA, Malaysia, 2 July 2008 ? The ancient jungle of Endau-Rompin National Park, deep in Peninsular Malaysia, is home to rare species of birds, butterflies and rhinoceros, as well as a diverse range of plant life. It is also the traditional home of the Orang Asli, or 'original people', the indigenous inhabitants of Malaysia.

KABUL, Afghanistan, 1 July 2008 ? A recent report on juvenile justice in Afghanistan notes that there is a long way to go towards realizing fair and child-friendly system in the country.

GENEVA, Switzerland, 1 July 2008 ? The opening notes of a piano concerto recently brought a touch of sunshine to Geneva's unseasonably grey summer skies. Passers-by near the city's famous Palais des Nations turned their heads to get a glimpse of the musician.

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, 30 June 2008 ? A new annual award is being initiated this year to recognize media stories that accurately depict the situation of children and young people in the Arab nations of the Middle East.

KAGA BANDORO-KABO, Central African Republic, 27 June 2008 ? On a recent visit to the northern regions of CAR, UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador witnessed first-hand how schools have begun to reopen, improving the lives of children affected by conflict here.

GOMA, Democratic Republic of Congo, 26 June 2008 ? The road to Rutshuru runs past hazy active volcanoes and silver lakes. It would be the stuff travel brochures are made of ? that is, if this route on the eastern edge of DRC, flush with Rwanda, wasn't literally lined with the hardware of a war few understand.