World Humanitarian Day 2024: Moving Minds Alliance solicits more funding for Children in war torn countries.
ATABOR JULIUS LOKOJA
Against the backdrop of the annual celebration of World Humanitarian Day, the Moving Minds Alliance MMA, has called on world leaders and humanitarian actors to prioritise the needs of young children and families affected by crises and displacement.
This was contained in a statement signed by Lola Ayanda, Network Communications Manager, and made available to Journalists on Monday in Lokoja .
The Communications Manager said , as a global network of 39 organisations advocating for more resources to be allocated to support children in crisis, has to emphasis the critical importance of Early Childhood Development (ECD) in humanitarian settings.
She noted that the early years (0-8) are crucial and fundamental for a child’s future.,stressing that in crisis situations, young children face severe risks to their physical, cognitive, and Socio-emotional development.
These risks she admitted can be mitigated through integrated and holistic solutions that address the comprehensive needs of young children and their caregivers, including health, nutrition, protection, and early learning opportunities.
According to the statement , the 2024 World Humanitarian Day, is committed to achieving increased funding and attention even as the overwhelming evidence of the long-term positive impact of early interventions, support for young children remains underfunded in humanitarian responses;
She gave gloomy picture of realty of the hardship faced by this vulnerable children as only 1% of humanitarian funding goes to early learning, only 2% for WASH while Funding for supporting parents and responsive caregiving is often unbudgeted.
The Moving Minds Alliance therefore urge donors and policymakers to increase resources for ECD programs in crisis settings.u
” Humanitarian response must support and not displace successful local solutions. It should foster effective coordination and communication mechanisms that empower local actors, ensuring that ECD interventions, especially in crisis and emergencies are culturally appropriate and sustainable.n
” Governments should establish and fund comprehensive national ECD policies that include both refugee children and their host communities. These policies should prioritise quality and gender-transformative services, ensuring that all children have equal opportunities to thrive.
“Every child has the right to a bright, safe, and healthy childhood and future, regardless of their circumstances,. We commend colleagues across the globe for their tireless efforts and honour those amongst us who have lost their lives in the process of serving humanity. We also use this medium to call on the global community to stand in solidarity with young children in humanitarian crises not just in words but in action and most importantly funds.”
” Moving Minds Alliance reaffirms its commitment to fostering collaboration, knowledge sharing, and innovative approaches to support young children and families affected by crises worldwide. We invite partners, donors, and policymakers to join our efforts in ensuring that no child is left behind due to humanitarian emergencies.
