This report describes a participatory photography and research programme that UNIDIR's MEAC project, 100cameras, War Child, UNICEF and its local partners ran with conflict-affected children and youth in Nigeria, Iraq and Colombia in 2024. This programme encompassed a multi-media integrated training to equip participants with photography and research skills and the space to process their experiences and build their skills and support network.

Ultimately, the goal of this programme was to elevate their voices into policymaking discussions that will ultimately impact them and their peers. The report provides an overview of the programme’s implementation, including the curriculum design, participant experiences and key lessons learned. The report is a resource for decision-makers and practitioners seeking to adopt child- and youth-centred participatory research and programming approaches in conflict-affected settings.

Citation: Anamika Madhuraj with Angela Popplewell, Lydia Billings, JP Pullos, Mohammed Bukar, Fatima Yetcha Ajimi Badu, Fati Abubakar, Muqadas Samarrai, Schadi Semnani, Kyle Johnson, Ángela Gomez, Zina Hanna, Ahmed Khaleel, Erika Fernández Yule, Harles Rene Gembuel Pechene, “Shifting the Focus: Insights from Conflict-affected Children and Youth on Peacebuilding and Recovery,” UNIDIR, Geneva, 2024, https://doi.org/10.37559/MEAC/24/07