We are making every effort to help ensure that our important programming to advance children’s rights and equality for girls can actively continue, while also being well-positioned to shift to address the greatest needs of those we serve, should the areas where we work become impacted by COVID-19.
In crises, dangers are heightened for the most vulnerable populations – particularly those living in poverty with few available supports, and marginalized groups such as girls, orphaned and refugee children and those living with disabilities.
The need for rigorous protection and safeguarding of all children, and of girls and women from gender-based, sexual and intimate partner violence, as well as harmful practices such as forced marriage and prostitution, trafficking, child labour and other forms of exploitation, must be emphasized and prioritized in all policies, information, guidance and response.
We will continue our mission to work to protect children’s rights and help create a world where every child can thrive, while also protecting the health and safety of our staff and volunteers.