Humanitarian Action

We respond to the urgent needs of children and families in times of conflict, natural disaster or mass displacement. 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, protecting their rights and keeping families together. In 2020, we responded to emergencies in 26 countries and territories.

COMBATTING THE IMPACT OF COVID-19

In 2020, it became evident that the social and economic impact of the pandemic on families already under pressure would be severe. Child rights violations were exacerbated, and the ability to meet basic needs threatened. SOS Children’s Villages member associations around the globe took measures to minimize the pandemic’s impact in all types of programmes, including protecting programme participants and reaching out to further families in an effort to prevent family separation. These measures covered activities related to food; health; water, sanitation and hygiene; and access to education.

GLOBAL REACH

During the year, we responded to catastrophes in Honduras, Lebanon, Madagascar, Mozambique and Nicaragua; food insecurity in Ethiopia, Somalia, Somaliland and Zimbabwe; and displacement crises sparked by armed conflict or civil unrest. We supported refugees, displaced people and host communities in Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Brazil, Burkina Faso, Central African Republic, Colombia, Greece, Jordan and Ukraine.

QUALITY AND ACCOUNTABILITY

SOS Children’s Villages has continued the joint effort for principled, accountable and high-quality humanitarian aid. The Core Humanitarian Standard on Quality and Accountability (CHS) serves as our frame of action for improving the quality and effectiveness of the assistance provided by our member associations. In 2020, the CHS was mainstreamed in all operational guidelines. A first pilot group of member associations has gone through the self-assessment process and are implementing the improvement plan.

SUPPORT TO REBUILD

Around the world, we support families to stay together through a crisis. After the massive explosion in Beirut, Lebanon in August 2020, we provided financial and mental health support to help families get through the disaster.

240,000

PEOPLE SUPPORTED IN 2020 IN EMERGENCIES WORLDWIDE