This report provides a comprehensive look at the challenges facing mothers and children during and after armed conflict. The examination is divided into the sections "Mothers in War,""Mothers Rebuilding," and "Call to Action." Key findings include the following: (1) the nature of war has changed dramatically in recent decades, putting mothers and children at greater risk of death, disease, displacement, and exploitation; (2) during wartime, the world community must recognize the inextricable link between mothers' and children's well-being and do more to ensure the survival of both; (3) investing in mothers is one of the most effective ways to help post-conflict societies achieve reconciliation and move forward; and (4) while warfare has changed dramatically, the humanitarian response has not; governments and international organizations need to do more to ensure the protection and care of women and children during conflict situations. The report notes a number of reforms and investments that could make a critical difference in the lives of these women and children, including making their care and protection a humanitarian priority, giving special attention to the financial and security needs of women and children, and increasing effectiveness of emergency responses by shifting U.S. resources to the non-governmental organizations closest to the conflict. The report also includes the third annual Mother's Index comparing the well-being of mothers and children in over 100 countries, along with explanations of the research methodology and indicators used. (Contains 39 endnotes.) (EV)