THE SITUATION IN BRIEF: WHAT YOU NEED
68 million people worldwide have fled their homes because of conflict, unrest or disaster. Children account for more than half of this total. Child refugees face incredible risks and dangers – including disease, malnutrition, violence, labor exploitation and trafficking.
While the arrival of refugees and asylum seekers in Europe and the United States has dominated the headlines and sparked heated political discussion, less developed regions host more than 85% of the world’s displaced people. Uganda hosts more than a million refugees from South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and other neighboring countries. Other conflicts and catastrophes have sparked mass displacement in North Africa, Ukraine, the Caucasus, South Asia and Latin America.
Refugee camps and large reception centers are not safe places for children. We have seen, time and time again, that children without adequate shelter and protection are the most vulnerable to exploitation, abuse and the stress of long-term separation. Without proper support, they are more likely to face lasting educational challenges and social exclusion.
CHILDREN DESERVE MORE