Putting Children at the Heart of the World Humanitarian Summit

The right to be heard is a guiding principle of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. Children have an important role to play in their own protection and in planning their communities’ response to an emergency.

This literature review reflects the thoughts and opinions of over 6,000 girls and boys. It draws on recent consultations with children during and shortly after armed conflicts, disasters, displacement and other emergencies. Aiming to contribute to discussions at the 2016 World Humanitarian Summit around “Future humanitarian challenges related to natural hazards and conflicts”, it asks the following questions:

1. How can engaging children improve humanitarian effectiveness?
2. How can engaging children reduce vulnerability and manage risk?
3. How can children’s ideas and perspectives drive transformation through innovation?
4. What are children’s perspectives on their needs in conflict?

Each question is broken down and expanded with the thoughts and experiences of children from around the globe.