Childhood should never happen on a battlefield: the increasing harm against children across the globe

Date: 15/08/2025
Democratic Republic of the Congo, Haiti, Somalia, Sudan, Ukraine, Gaza. The list of countries facing crisis is growing. And children and young people, especially those without parental care, pay the highest price.

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“We do whatever we can to protect them, to fight for their rights, and to help them.”

Democratic Republic of the Congo, Haiti, Somalia, Sudan, Ukraine, Gaza. The list of countries facing crisis is growing. And children and young people, especially those without parental care, pay the highest price.

A recent UN report shows children are facing more harm than ever, with violations against them at an all-time high.

“Most of them [children] have lost their parents because of conflict or natural disaster. They are really exposed to child labour, exploitation, and to various child rights violations,” says Abdikadir Dakane, National Director of SOS Children’s Villages Somalia.

We are passionate about child protection.

SOS Children’s Villages is on the ground providing humanitarian support in 33 countries, reaching 2.2 million people (including 1.3 million children).

We also help communities become climate-resilient, financially secure, and provide basic supplies such as hygiene kits and food.

We’re there, offering safe spaces and protection from harm. Because childhood should never be experienced on a battlefield. Together, as a global community, we can make a difference and protect the children who are at the forefront of the unimaginable.

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