Emergencies

Promoting the well-being of the child in emergency situations

The number of emergencies has increased significantly in the past two decades. The lives, physical and mental wellbeing or development opportunities of children are threatened as a result of conflicts or natural disasters, and where local capacity to respond to the consequent needs is exceeded or inadequate. At the same time, the nature of crises has changed and become more complex. Their severe impact is directly linked to factors such as climate change, extreme poverty and an increasing competition for access to energy and natural resources. While rapid response activities are critical in mitigating the impact of crises, disaster risk reduction and preparations for potential emergencies in communities have become increasingly important in order to prevent impending damages and to ensure stability and development.

The humanitarian mandate of Save the Children (SC) , Finland included, is to ensure that the needs of children in emergencies are identified and met, and that their right to survival and development are respected, fulfilled and protected. Save the Children (Finland) continues to contribute to Save the Children International cooperation in emergencies, including SC efforts linked to the Save the Children campaign of Every One on child survival. Children and families affected by conflicts or natural diasters are assisted via SC international or in cooperation with sister organizations and local partners. 

Particular focus is on the reduction of children’s vulnerability to emergencies and advocacy on children’s rights and needs in crisis situations.

• Emphasize disaster risk reduction as the first line of defence in adapting to climate change. A special attention is given to the promotion of child-centered disaster risk reduction, aiming to increase the participation, resilience and capacity of children and communities to prepare for, reduce risks of and respond to emergency situations.
• Strengthen emergency preparedness capabilities through appropriate plans, resources and mechanisms.
• Assisting children and families affected by emergencies through increased participation and support provided to Save the Children humanitarian operations.