The world is funding war

Children are paying the price

By the end of today, approximately 80 more children in conflict zones will be affected by grave human rights violations. By tomorrow, another 80. In fact, in the last thirty years, the number of children living in war zones has nearly doubled. This isn’t just unfortunate collateral — it’s a choice governments are making every day.

Governments are cutting humanitarian aid budgets and directing resources toward military spending instead. In 2024, only 38% of the funds needed for child protection were received. Last year, 1% of global security spending went to peacebuilding and peacekeeping. 55% went to military defense.

Behind every statistic is a child whose world has been torn apart. Schools have become targets. Playgrounds have been reduced to rubble. For too many children, growing up has meant growing up in conflict—not because war is inevitable, but because the world has yet to fully commit to protecting them.

Canada has a role to play

Children around the world are counting on us

Save the Children has been supporting children affected by conflict for over a century. We know that the needs of children in conflict zones are only growing. We see it every day. We also know that public pressure works. Our ability to push governments to act is strengthened when people in Canada stand with us.

As global institutions weaken and humanitarian commitments erode, Canada has an opportunity—and a responsibility—to lead.

We are calling on the Canadian government to do three things:

• • 1. Ensure Canadian arms exports and military assistance do not reach countries or groups that harm children.
  • 2. Increase investment in child protection programming globally to ensure children in conflict zones are protected, with their right to safety upheld.
  • 3. Implement a child-centred foreign policy that upholds international law and supports accountability mechanisms that ensure those who attack children or block humanitarian access do not act with impunity.

Save the Children has been protecting children in conflict for more than 100 years. We know that the needs of children in conflict zones are only growing. We see it every day.

This is where you come in

Your voice is essential

We need you in this fight—because governments only act when their constituents take a stand. You don’t need to be an expert in foreign policy. You just need to believe that every child has the right to grow up safe—and be willing to say so.

Save the Children is preparing to launch a petition campaign to the Canadian government. By adding your voice now, you’ll be the first to know when the petition goes live.

When thousands of people across the country speak up for children facing displacement, violence, and hunger, the government will have no choice but to put the lives and safety of children at the heart of Canada’s foreign policy. Sign the pledge today.