In association with Ireland's Presidency of the Council of the European Union, World Vision Ireland, Plan International Ireland, Save the Children Ireland and UNICEF Ireland co-hosted a high-level event exploring how children's rights, protection and participation can be more systematically integrated into the EU's evolving humanitarian agenda.
Held at Europe House in Dublin on the 15th of September 2026, The European Union and Enhancing Protection for Children in Crisis: Advancing a Child-Centred EU Humanitarian Agenda During Ireland's Presidency brought together policymakers, humanitarian leaders, representatives from EU institutions, civil society organisations, academics, and children and young people with lived experience of conflict and crisis.
As an Associated Event of Ireland's Presidency of the Council of the European Union, the discussion came at a critical moment. Ireland's Presidency presents an important opportunity to influence policy and budget decisions that will help shape the future direction of the EU's humanitarian, development and diplomatic action. Against this backdrop, participants explored practical opportunities for European leadership on humanitarian protection, financing, diplomacy and child participation, while examining how children's rights can be better reflected across EU decision-making.
Moderated by Ellen Butler, member of the World Vision Ireland Board of Directors, the programme featured contributions from Minister of State for International Development and Diaspora Neale Richmond TD, Ted Chaiban, UNICEF Deputy Executive Director and United Nations Assistant Secretary-General, Federica Sola, Political Affairs Officer at the United Nations Liaison Office for Children and Armed Conflict, as well as humanitarian experts from Save the Children, Plan International and the Paediatric Blast Injury Partnership.
A particularly powerful element of the event was a conversation with children and young people affected by conflict, crisis and displacement. Their first-hand experiences and recommendations highlighted the importance of ensuring that children are not only protected during emergencies, but meaningfully included in decisions that affect their lives.
Children Are Paying the Highest Price
The event took place against a backdrop of growing global instability. Armed conflicts are becoming increasingly complex and deadly, climate-related disasters are increasing in both frequency and severity, and displacement has reached record levels. At the same time, reductions in development and humanitarian funding are placing additional strain on an already overstretched humanitarian system.
Children experience these challenges differently from adults. Being at critical stages of physical, emotional and cognitive development, they are particularly vulnerable to the long-term impacts of conflict, displacement and crisis.
Opening the event, Neale Richmond TD highlighted the scale of today's humanitarian challenges and their disproportionate impact on children.
He also stressed that Ireland's commitment to humanitarian and needs-based principles is more important than ever as the international community faces increasing pressure on humanitarian assistance and development cooperation.
"We are living through a period of extraordinary humanitarian need. In every one of these crises, it is children who pay the highest price," said Neale Richmond TD.
Listening to Young People's Voices
The event reinforced the importance of meaningful participation by children and young people in humanitarian action and policymaking.
During the youth discussion, Samar, Farouk, Lailat and Ilham shared insights drawn from their own experiences of conflict, crisis and displacement.
"It is really important to not just provide people with food and shelter, but to think about what could help them support themselves. How can we support children and young people who want to support their families?"
"Support and assurance really matter. We are the seed, and we need to be watered. We need the Government to show up and support us."
Their contributions served as a powerful reminder that children and young people are not only recipients of humanitarian assistance, but important partners whose perspectives can help shape more effective and sustainable responses.
A Call for European Leadership
Throughout the event, speakers emphasised the important role Ireland and the European Union can play in advancing a more child-centred humanitarian agenda.
Ted Chaiban called for stronger political leadership to protect children and uphold international humanitarian law.
"We need Ireland and the EU to speak clearly and consistently when international humanitarian law is violated, and when the rights and safety of children are challenged."
He also highlighted concerns about declining investment in education in emergencies, describing education as one of the most important life-saving interventions available to children affected by crisis.
The discussion repeatedly returned to the need for Europe to speak with a unified voice in support of children's rights, while ensuring humanitarian action remains adequately funded and focused on those most at risk.
Key Priorities for a Child-Centred Humanitarian Agenda
Discussions throughout the day highlighted three key priorities:
- Children experience crises differently from adults. They are more vulnerable to physical, emotional and developmental harm, meaning reductions in humanitarian support often affect children first and most severely.
- The European Union already has strong policy frameworks to uphold children's rights. The challenge now is ensuring sufficient political commitment and financial investment to translate these commitments into action.
- Child-sensitive humanitarian action is not only a moral imperative, but a strategic investment in long-term peace and stability. Protecting children today helps build more resilient communities and societies tomorrow.
"With competing international and national priorities, we must ensure budget cuts are not at the expense of the most vulnerable. A protected child is a secure future."
Federica Sola
Looking Ahead
As Ireland continues its Presidency of the Council of the European Union, participants emphasised the importance of keeping children at the centre of humanitarian, development and diplomatic efforts.
Protecting children in crisis is not only a moral and legal obligation. It is also an investment in a safer, more peaceful and more resilient future.
The event reinforced a clear message: if the EU is to deliver effective humanitarian action in an increasingly complex world, children cannot be an afterthought. Their rights, needs and voices must remain at the heart of Europe's response to crisis.