Protecting Children in Conflict

Published by Change Makers Organization on 2022-02-102022-02-10

Children pay the highest price of humanitarian crisis. Armed conflict, natural disasters and other emergencies expose millions of girls and boys to unthinkable forms of violence, exploitation, abuse and neglect.

Many children are forced to flee their homes, some torn from their parents and caregivers along the way. In conflict, children may be injured or killed by explosive weapons and remnants of war, including during attacks on schools and hospitals. They may be recruited by armed forces – not only as fighters, but as scouts, cooks, porters, guards, messengers and more. Especially for girls and women, the threat of gender-based violence soars.

Through it all, children lose critical health, education and protection services. Their mental health and psychosocial needs are often neglected, with consequences that can last a lifetime.