Protecting children from harm is at the heart of what War Child does.
Crises, such as conflicts can have devastating effects on children’s lives. Children’s dignity, safety and healthy development are threatened. They may be separated from their families, trafficked, recruited or used by armed groups and face physical or sexual abuse. Each year, thousands of children are killed are also injured by explosive weapons and landmines.
Growing up amidst conflict and experiencing violence can also have a devastating impact on children’s physical and emotional wellbeing. Many children in the countries we work in have always lived in countries with conflict.
Our child protection teams work with communities, families and children to keep children safe around the world regardless of who they are or where they are from. We support children who are moving across borders, living on the streets or in refugee camps. We focus on children at heightened risk, such as girls who are forced into child marriage, children who have been separated from their families, recruited into armed groups or forced into dangerous working conditions. We are accountable to the children we work with and believe that they have a right to be heard and involved in any decision that is made about their lives and future.
