Protecting children
Forced into sex work. Recruited into armies. Shut away in institutions. Our job is to ensure vulnerable children are protected, to the best of our ability, wherever they are.
Millions of children are at risk from abuse, neglect, exploitation and violence. We support and protect children who are exploited, caught up in conflicts and emergencies, and help communities protect children in places without child protection services.
The response of governments and others to the risks children face is sometimes almost as damaging as the original problem. Trafficked children are criminalised. Children who have been abandoned and abused are locked up in institutions. Working children are removed from work that is an essential prop to their family’s survival.
A joined-up approach
Protecting vulnerable children needs a joined-up approach. We’re calling for investment in child protection systems that bring together children, communities, health workers, teachers, police, NGOs and others, supported by the right laws, policies and funding.
See our leaflet, Protect one, protect all.
