Children in Crisis

All children have rights. Save the Children was the first global movement devoted to securing them, ensuring kids are protected from harm in times of crisis.

Today, we champion the rights of the world’s 2.3 billion children.

Save the Children Action Network combines government relations with grassroots activism to build relationships with policymakers across the United States and mobilize the public.

Together, we turn advocacy into policy wins – working to ensure children can survive and thrive.

Mental Health

Worldwide, 14% of children and adolescents experience mental health disorders. 1 in 5 individuals living in conflict has mental health disorders. And yet, only 1% of the world’s health budget is dedicated to children’s mental health.
It’s not enough. They need more.

The Mental Health in International Development and Humanitarian Settings (MINDS) Act would change that.

The bipartisan, bicameral MINDS Act is the first-ever U.S. legislation that addresses mental health and psychosocial support in foreign assistance.

The bill supports best practices, lays the groundwork for a global mental health strategy, and emphasizes the needs of vulnerable populations – including children in adversity, those living in poverty and conflict zones, women and girls, and other marginalized communities.

Take Action

Surviving Is Just the Beginning

14% of the world’s children are battling a mental health disorder. But less than 1% of global health assistance has ever been designated to address it. 

Send a message to Congress: Pass the MINDS Act so struggling children can heal and grow! 

United States Border

Poverty, political instability, gender-based violence, crime, corruption and social injustice drive children and families to journey to the United States in search of safety.

But recent government policies have made it almost impossible for them to seek asylum here.

Save the Children works to ensure migrant children and families are treated with dignity and respect throughout every step of the process. We focus on four key areas: child welfare, access to asylum, family reunification and the root causes of unsafe migration.

Protect Dreamers

Families Belong Together

Send a message to Congress: we must provide permanent protections and a pathway to citizenship for Dreamers – because families belong together.

Humanitarian Response

Humanitarian crises have a devastating physical, psychological and developmental impact on children. Kids are especially at risk when they lose loved ones or are forced to flee home to escape conflict or climate-driven disasters.

In the face of immense global humanitarian needs, we must take action today and urge Congress to continue to fund programs that protect children’s rights.

Take Action

Families in Sudan are Fighting to Survive

On April 15th, violence broke out in Sudan’s capital city. Thousands don’t have access to food, water, electricity or medical care — and hundreds of thousands more were forced to flee home at a moment’s notice. Send a message: When conflict strikes, kids are always caught in the crossfire. We must protect them.

Take Action

Help Bring Hope to Kids in Ukraine

Childhood rarely survives war.

In Ukraine, senseless violence has stolen loved ones, ravaged homes and destroyed schools. To endure the devastation, kids and families need critical support.

Until then, millions of bright futures remain at risk.

Tell Congress: We must send lifesaving aid to kids in Ukraine!

Save the Children protects kids’ rights in the hardest-to-reach places, where it’s toughest to be a child.

Afghanistan

Afghanistan

More than 28 million people in Afghanistan need humanitarian assistance to survive. But providing services with male-only teams would set a dangerous precedent, excluding women and girls — half of the population and often at the greatest risk of sexual exploitation and abuse — from receiving vital support.

 

Rohingya Refugee Crisis

Rohingya Refugee Crisis

Since the 2021 military coup, conflict has intensified and attacks on civilians have skyrocketed. The number of children out of school has more than doubled, and over 1.4 million people are internally displaced.

 

Syria

Syria

15.3 million people need humanitarian aid as violence pushes refugees deeper into poverty. Boys leave school to help their families survive, while girls face threats of child trafficking and sexual exploitation.

 

Sahel Region

Sahel Region

Conflict and climate change are wreaking havoc in West and Central Africa. Drought, floods and political instability have forced over 1.76 million people from their homes and left 15% of the region’s population hungry.

 

 

Ukraine

Ukraine

7.5 million children are in grave danger of physical harm, emotional distress and displacement. Air strikes and explosions have damaged schools, hospitals and energy infrastructure – and civilians are getting caught in the crossfire.

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Yemen

Yemen

Over eight years of conflict have left 21.6 million people in Yemen in need of humanitarian aid. Over 2.1 million children are suffering from acute malnutrition, while countless others lack access to education and health care.