Emergency Response and Humanitarian Crises

From Emergency Response to Long-Term Recovery

Save the Children does whatever it takes to be there for children in crisis – as we have for every major humanitarian crisis since World War I. We work with communities to prepare for and mitigate the impact of disasters. We partner with governments and local organizations to provide immediate assistance when an emergency hits. In 2023, together, we responded to 121 emergency situations. Through our Children’s Emergency Fund, we reached 26 million people – including over 14.7 million children. Learn more about our history of emergency response.

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Responses to Protracted Humanitarian Crises

In Zimbabwe, a young girl stands in front of a dry landscape that has been impacted by the climate crisis.

The Global Hunger Crisis

As conflicts escalate, the climate crisis deepens and global inequality widens, more and more children face the ever-growing threat of hunger. LEARN MORE

A girl wears an orange life preserver and sits in a boat looking out over the flooded waters.

The Climate Crisis

The threat posed to children and their rights by the climate crisis is real, and it is urgent. Its impacts are built into children’s futures, even if we are able to curb global emissions. LEARN MORE

Two girls walk down a dirt road in Afghanistan.

Afghanistan Humanitarian Crisis

As the United States begins welcoming newly arriving Afghan refugees, Save the Children has mobilized to meet their most urgent needs. We stand committed to the Afghan people and our commitment to stay and deliver in Afghanistan, where we've been working since 1976. LEARN MORE

A 12-year old boy buries his face against his father as he mourns the death of his brother in El Salvador.

U.S. Border

Innocent children have been forced to flee their homes due to violence, gangs and crushing poverty in Latin America. Separation and detention are devastating children and families. Thanks to the generous support of our donors, Save the Children is helping migrant children and their families. READ MORE

Nusair*, 13 months old, lies on a bed in his house in Hodeidah, Yemen. Severely malnourished, the baby boy was treated for malnutrition in a Save the Children supported clinic. Credit: Mohammed Awadh / Save the Children, Oct 2018

Yemen Humanitarian Crisis

In war-torn Yemen, 85,000 children may have died from starvation since the start of the crisis. As the largest aid organization in Yemen, Save the Children is on the ground, working to help the most vulnerable survive and stay safe. SUPPORT YEMEN RELIEF

A two-year-old girl sits on the floor of her family’s tent in a camp for displaced people on the northern Syrian border. Photo credit: Ahmad Baroudi/Save the Children, May 2015.

Syrian Humanitarian Crisis

Syria has been a living nightmare for children and families tormented by years of war and unimaginable hardship. As millions flee for their lives, your help is desperately needed. LEARN ABOUT SYRIAN REFUGEES

This five-year-old girl fled Myanmar with her family when their village was attacked. They’re now living in a makeshift camp in Bangladesh. Children account for some 60% of the Rohingyas who've arrived in Bangladesh since the sudden and rapid escalation of violence in Myanmar. Photo Credit: GMB Akash/Save the Children, October 2017.

Rohingya Refugee Crisis

In 2017, violence in Myanmar led to the fastest moving exodus of people – the Rohingya people – since the Rwandan genocide. Amid a global pandemic, nearly one million people remain stranded in Cox's Bazar, the largest refugee camp in the world. We are working to treat COVID-19 cases and support the basic human rights of Rohingya families. LEARN MORE

Current Emergency Responses

Cyclone Chido has swept through the east African coast, bringing strong destructive winds, significant rainfall and flash flooding in Mozambique. At least 650,000 children and their families are at immediate risk. This storm is yet another example of extreme weather wreaking havoc on an already vulnerable community that has been torn apart by conflict and steeped in poverty. LEARN MORE

Hurricane Helene

Hurricane Helene is one of the most powerful to hit the U.S. and has left widespread destruction. Save the Children is responding to meet the needs of children and families impacted by the storm. LEARN MORE

In Gaza, a boy faces a pile of rubble from buildings destroyed by the ongoing conflict.

Gaza and Israel Conflict

What's happening in Gaza and Israel right now is horrifying. Gaza is now the deadliest place for civilians in the world. The only way for civilian lives to be protected and for adequate humanitarian assistance to be provided is for the fighting to stop. LEARN MORE

This aerial view of damage caused by the deadly earthquake that struck the Turkey and Syria borders.

Turkey (Türkiye) and Syria Earthquakes

Thousands of people have lost their lives after two devasting earthquakes struck the Turkey (Türkiye) and Syria borders. LEARN MORE

In Pakistan, flood waters fill the street after a deadly and devastating monsoon.

Pakistan Floods

More than 33 million people across Pakistan have been affected by deadly flash flooding - the worst flooding to hit Pakistan in decades. LEARN MORE

In Ukraine, a girl stands outside alone on a dreay day while wearing a dark coat and hat.

Ukraine Humanitarian Crisis

The Ukraine crisis, which started in 2014, has already forced at least 1.5 million people from their homes. The recent escalation in hostilities in Ukraine has put at least 7.5 million children in grave danger of physical harm, severe emotional distress displacement. LEARN MORE

In Lebanon, two young brothers stand together outside.

Lebanon Humanitarian Crisis

After a devastating explosion in the Lebanese capital of Beirut, children and families already facing COVID-19, as well as economic and political crisis, are more vulnerable than ever. LEARN MORE ABOUT THE CRISIS

A migrant child lays on the shoulder of a family member

Venezuela Humanitarian Crisis

Economic collapse and internal conflict is driving millions of Venezuelans from their homes. Before COVID-19, the UN estimated 7 million people, or 25% of the population, were in need of humanitarian assistance. Now, closed borders and isolation measures due to coronavirus are exacerbating their already dire circumstances. Children need your help now. LEARN MORE

Historical Emergencies

From our very beginnings, Save the Children has made it our mission to save the lives of boys and girls in danger around the world. In times of crisis, we’re always among the first to respond, working to keep children safe and helping families rebuild their lives. VIEW PAST EMERGENCIES

EMERGENCY RESPONSE