Child-friendly spaces
A child-friendly space is a safe place set up for children affected by emergencies where they can play and learn.
Disasters and conflicts threaten children’s rights, prospects and damage the societies they live in.
Around 1.5 billion people are affected by conflict globally and over 65 million, half of them children, have been forced from their homes due to violence.
In addition, over 200 million people are affected by disasters caused by natural hazards each year and the effects of climate change are causing increased risks for children.
We strengthen communities’ resilience and support children’s right to dignity and protection before, during and after disasters and conflicts. Responding to the needs of adolescent girls – who are among the most at risk when disasters strike – is a key focus of our work.
Last year we responded to 171 disasters globally and carried out 75 education in emergencies programmes and 88 child protection in emergencies programmes.