26.01.2016 - In Geneva, the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) launched its global appeal for children in emergencies.
The number of children trapped in humanitarian crises around the world is both staggering and sobering. In 2015, millions of children and families were forced from their homes to flee violence, persecution, and hardship — all too often risking their lives in search of safety and a better future.
There are currently 30 million children refugees and 250 million children living in conflict. As part of their Humanitarian Action for Children 2016 objectives, UNICEF aims to reach 43 million children through raising US$2.8 billion.
Children are at the epicentre of today’s global emergencies and short-term emergency responses must do more than respond to immediate needs. They must support long-term development, which helps prepare children, families, and communities to be more resilient in future emergencies.
This is especially so when it comes to providing education and learning opportunities to children living through conflict and other emergencies. Education and support to overcome trauma provide children with a sense of normalcy and hope for the future in the midst of violence, instability, and disaster. They also provide children with the skills to build better, safer, healthier lives for themselves, their families, and their communities. This is of critical importance as countries and the global community begin the hard, vital work of delivering on the promises of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
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UNRICs Related Links
· UNICEF Humanitarian Action for Children 2016
· UNICEF in Emergencies
· Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
· World Humanitarian Summit 2016
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