New Brief! The Impact of Funding Cuts on Children and their Protection in Humanitarian Contexts: An Analysis One Year On

Our new global brief reveals how sustained humanitarian funding cuts since early 2025 are increasingly undermining children’s safety and access to protection services. Drawing on insights from 401 practitioners across 68 countries, the analysis shows a shift from short-term financial disruption to a broader systemic crisis—marked by rising risks for children, shrinking services, and strained child protection systems struggling to meet the Minimum Standards for Child Protection in Humanitarian Action.

The findings point to reduced coverage of essential services, including case management and psychosocial support, alongside a growing reliance on under-resourced community-based mechanisms. National and local actors are particularly affected, raising concerns about the sustainability of frontline responses and progress on localisation.

A series of data infographics is also available to support advocacy and dissemination efforts.

The report concludes with key recommendations for donors, governments, coordination bodies, and implementing partners to help stabilise financing, protect service quality, and safeguard children’s rights.

The report is available in English, French, Spanish, and Arabic.