All children have rights that need to be protected
Save the Children was the first global organization devoted solely to serving children’s needs, protecting them from harm and securing their rights. Today, we champion the rights of the world’s 2.3 billion children.
Save the Children puts child protection at the center of all its work, especially in times of crisis and conflict, when children are most vulnerable. We lead the world in protecting children in conflict and war zones, identifying their needs, advocating for their safety, and giving physical and mental health support, particularly when they are displaced and alone
12-year old Salem* and his family had to flee their home when ISIS took control of their village and it was no longer safe for them to live there.
1 billion children experience physical, sexual or emotional violence or neglect each year.
9 in 10 child victims of sexual violence are girls.
12 million girls marry before their 18th birthday each year.
85 million children are engaged in hazardous child labor.
1 in every 6 children in the world is living in a conflict zone.
Save the Children protects children from violence and advocates for others to do the same.
• In some of the world’s worst disasters, we have led advocacy efforts that ensure children’s needs are a top priority.
• When an emergency hits, we are on the ground within 72 hours, saving lives and providing protection.
• We have created more safe spaces for children in emergencies than any other humanitarian organization.
• We are global leaders in family reunification, helping to support children and families as they flee unimaginable horrors.
• We helped achieve a 25% decline in child marriage worldwide.
• As the national leader in protecting children in emergencies, we’ve been on the front lines meeting children’s most critical needs in every major disaster since Hurricane Katrina.
Learn more about our work to ensure every child is protected from harm
Gender-Based Violence
Every girl and boy deserves to grow up free from harm. Yet gender-based violence continues, effectively ending their childhoods and risking their futures. Gender-based violence occurs in every country in the world and across all economic and social groups.
Child Marriage
Child marriage represents the devastating end of childhood for 40 million girls worldwide. It not only violates her rights, but risks her life, the lives of her children and the future of her community.
Child Trafficking
Child trafficking is a crime – and represents the tragic end of childhood. Children account for 27% of all the human trafficking victims worldwide, and two out of every three child victims are girls.
Learn more about our protection programs
