The international community is neglecting millions of vulnerable babies and young children affected by conflicts and disasters, a shocking report by children’s charity Theirworld warns today.
They will suffer from psychological trauma, toxic stress and poor brain development unless their needs are prioritised in humanitarian response plans.
The failure to plan for and finance early childhood development services in emergencies - ensuring "safe spaces" for all children - could have lifelong detrimental effects, according to Theirworld.
More than 16 million babies were born in conflict zones in 2015 - an average of 43,835 per day. Despite that, more than 60% of education aid appeals lack clear plans for early learning programmes or psychosocial support for children under five to access the safe spaces they need to learn, grow and recover.
