Children
© UNHCR/Catianne Tijerina
"One day at school, I heard the war, the guns that sounded like ‘tow tow tow’. The soldiers came and fought the pupils and I hid there for three days. My parents came and collected me and we went home for two days. It was so nice and quiet and we didn’t think it would get noisy again. When it did, there was no time to think about clothes.”
Nine-year-old Nyaboth and her twin sister fled their home in South Sudan after witnessing mass killings. Although the pair found safety in Pugnido refugee camp, Ethiopia, she can never forget the simple treasures she left behind.
Over half of the world’s refugees are children. Many will spend their entire childhoods away from home, sometimes separated from their families. They may have witnessed or experienced violent acts and, in exile, are at risk of abuse, neglect, violence, exploitation, trafficking or military recruitment.
But children are incredibly resilient. By learning, playing and exploring their skills, they can find ways to cope, drawing strength from their families and communities.
UNHCR works with national authorities, other international and local organisations to assist, protect and find solutions for displaced children. We ensure that those who are unaccompanied or separated are cared for and have access to family tracing and reunification services, that new-borns are registered at birth and children with disabilities are supported. Through psychosocial support activities and education, we help children rebuild their lives.
Law and Policy
Age, Gender and Diversity Accountability Report 2020
Children - Documents and resources on Refworld
A comprehensive source of legal and policy documents, practical tools and related links.