EMERGENCIES

Children and young people are most vulnerable during emergencies. Those who lack adequate parental care face even greater risks of violence, abuse, exploitation and neglect. Traumatic experiences take a heavy toll on their mental health.

With our established global infrastructure, network of partners, we launch emergency response programmes for children, young people and families who need urgent assistance. Drawing on our long-term presence in the countries and communities where we work, we are well-positioned to understand the needs, identify partners and act quickly. Our focus is always on caring for children and young people without adequate parental care, protecting their rights and keeping families together. 

Our response

We specialise in the protection and care of children and young people, including:

  • Caring for unaccompanied children and young people
  • Family reunification 
  • Child-friendly spaces 
  • Psychological and social support 
  • Preventing family separation
  • Supporting families with health, food, nutrition, shelter, education, water and hygiene (WASH)

Our principles

SOS Children’s Villages takes action in emergencies according to international humanitarian law and the Humanitarian Imperative. Our conduct in all aspects of emergencies is guided by the principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality and independence. We hold a Humanitarian Partnership Certificate with DG ECHO, are an official member of the Core Humanitarian Standards (CHS) Alliance and are undergoing CHS Certification audits conducted by Humanitarian Quality Assurance Initiative (HQAI) to make sure we fulfil the CHS and put children, young people and their families at the centre of our services. 

Learn more about our approach in our Emergency Policy.

Recent emergency responses

Syria Earthquake

On February 6, multiple earthquakes hit Syria, causing thousands of deaths and injuries. Thousands of children have lost at least one of their parents. The freezing weather aggravates the disaster and complicates matters for rescue efforts.

Drought in the Horn of Africa

The drought in the Horn of Africa is one of the worst climate related emergencies in the last 40 years in the region. The crisis is having devastating consequences for women and children, destroying livelihoods and hampering access to education. 

War in Ukraine

The war in Ukraine is disrupting the lives of millions of children, denying their human rights, and driving families apart. The situation is particularly desperate for children who lack parental care, and many more children are at risk of losing it. An entire generation of children risk growing up without the care they need.

Latest news

Joining Forces

Protecting children from the effects of hunger crises

May 23 2023 - As part of the European Humanitarian Forum, the Joining Forces alliance organized a Humanitarian Talk on the effects of hunger on children in the East Africa region.
Sudan

The childhoods of millions threatened by the conflict

May 23 2023 - For over a month, children and families in Khartoum have endured extreme violence as two armed groups continue to battle each other for control of Sudan, turning the city of five million people into a war zone.
SUDAN

Q&A with Dr. Dereje Wordofa on the Sudan conflict

May 11 2023 - The armed conflict in Sudan has caused a severe humanitarian crisis. In this interview, President of SOS Children’s Villages explains its impact on children, specifically those without parental care or at risk of losing it.
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