Why help children now?
Around the world, too many children start life at a disadvantage simply because of who they are and where they come from. Millions of children are dying from preventable causes, face poverty, violence, disease and hunger. They are caught up in war zones and disasters they did nothing to create. And they are denied an education and other basic rights owed to them.All children deserve better.
Effects of COVID-19 on children
The COVID-19 pandemic has had devastating consequences for children and their rights, widening inequalities between rich and poor, boys and girls. As the virus stretches health systems to their limits, children are missing out on life-saving health and nutrition services. The pandemic is leaving countless children without caregivers, out of school and in danger. Children and families least able to cope are being hit hardest.
Over 1.5 billion children have had their education disrupted. Children who live in poverty, refugee camps and conflict zones may never return to school – especially girls who are now at risk from early pregnancy or child marriage. And as poverty deepens, children out-of-school may be forced to work to make ends meet.