Right now, 520 million children—one in five globally—are living in active conflict zones. Violence against children is rising at an alarming rate. Across the Middle East, Ukraine, Sudan, Haiti and other crisis zones, children are facing catastrophic levels of violence, hunger, and displacement. Schools and hospitals are being attacked. Humanitarian aid is being blocked. Families are being shattered. These are not distant tragedies. They are unfolding right now.
While investments in global defence are rising, funding for peacebuilding and child protection is not responding to the scale of the need. Children are paying the highest price for wars they play no part in.
We need to stand up. Our government can do more. We call on the Government of Canada to take urgent action to protect children whose lives are being devastated by today’s conflicts.
Canada has long been known for leading with its values: compassion, justice, peace and gender equality. Our country helped build the human rights and international legal system meant to protect civilians in war. Today, as those norms are violated with growing impunity, Canada’s values‑based foreign policy is being tested. This is not a moment to step back. It is a moment to act with courage and conviction.
We have a moral responsibility to protect children. It is also about investing in a world that is safer and more prosperous for Canadians. When children survive, learn, and grow up with hope, they become adults who build peaceful societies and resilient economies.
We urge the Government of Canada to place children and their rights at the heart of Canada’s foreign policy. We are calling for Canada to:
Put children first in Canada’s foreign policy. Children are among the primary victims of conflict – they are first and most impacted. Canada should adopt a child‑centred foreign policy that consistently prioritizes their rights, needs, and safety across all international engagement.
Uphold international law and demand accountability for violations against children. Attacks on schools and hospitals and the obstruction of humanitarian aid must not go unanswered. Canada should push for justice and accountability so that those who harm children cannot act with impunity.
Provide adequate and appropriate funding to protect children in conflict. Ensure assistance is predictable, flexible, and responsive to the different needs of girls and boys.
End the sale or export of weapons and military assistance to parties that harm children. Canada must ensure that no Canadian-made weapons, components, or military support—directly or indirectly—reach governments or armed groups that commit violations against children or block life‑saving aid.
Children living through war cannot wait. Their rights and wellbeing should never be conditional. By re‑embracing its humanitarian leadership, leading with its values, and placing children at the centre of its foreign policy, Canada can help restore hope, uphold international law, and contribute to a safer, more prosperous world for all.
SIGN OUR PETITION TO URGE THE GOVERNMENT TO PROTECT CHILDREN CAUGHT IN CONFLICT.