The IV International Psychoanalysis Congress brought together specialists from various countries in Maputo, united by a common commitment: to listen to and support the processing of psychological suffering among children and adolescents exposed to war, persecution, and other forms of organized violence. Over three days of intense scientific and clinical exchange, the congress fostered dialogue between psychoanalysis and other fields of knowledge, reaffirming the importance of primary prevention regarding violence inflicted on children, while also emphasizing the need—in cases where such prevention fails—to provide psychoanalytic listening for child survivors.

The presentations highlighted the diverse contexts in which children continue to be exposed to extreme violence. Special emphasis was placed on psychoanalytic work carried out in northern Mozambique with children and adolescents affected by armed conflict—young people who are lured into joining the ranks of non-state forces in the name of an Islamic jihad. Experiences of intervention in Gaza were shared, illustrating how play therapy has contributed to the care of child survivors of the war. Presentations addressed the suffering of children affected by the war in Ukraine and Russia, as well as that of refugee children worldwide fleeing war and persecution. Also discussed were the multiple forms of violence—such as those linked to drug trafficking, structural racism, poverty, and social exclusion—that affect children in countries across Africa, Asia, South America, and beyond.

Throughout the congress, a central question remained: “How can we alleviate the psychological suffering of these children, foster their social reintegration, and preserve their ability to hope for the future?” The goal is to seek pathways that allow for the psychological processing of traumatic experiences and the rebuilding of hope.

The congress was part of a scientific journey that began with various preparatory activities and continues through a series of post-congress sessions designed to delve deeper into the topics discussed, promote dialogue among participants, and strengthen the international cooperation network built around this initiative.

The scientific presentations will be made available here, alongside the Maputo Declaration—a document approved by the participants that summarizes the key commitments made during the congress. More than just a final document, the Declaration serves as a call to action to safeguard the protection, lives, and dignity of children, urging professionals, institutions, policymakers, and civil society to share responsibility in addressing the multiple forms of violence that continue to affect children.

The next meeting in the Post-Congress Session series will take place on September 29, 2026, continuing the humanitarian, scientific, and clinical commitment undertaken by the 4th International Psychoanalysis Congress: understanding suffering, rebuilding hope, and strengthening child protection in contexts of war, persecution, and organized violence.

Photos from the congress are available here.