As Ireland holds the Presidency of the Council of the European Union from July to December 2026, World Vision Ireland is calling for children affected by conflict, displacement and crisis to be placed at the heart of EU humanitarian policy and decision-making.
In partnership with UNICEF Ireland, Plan International Ireland and Save the Children, World Vision Ireland has published a new policy paper, Driving a Child-Sensitive Humanitarian Agenda at the European Union, outlining practical recommendations to ensure children's rights, protection and wellbeing are prioritised across EU humanitarian action.
Why children must be at the centre
The world is facing an unprecedented humanitarian crisis for children. More than 200 million children are expected to require humanitarian assistance in 2026, while nearly one in five children globally now live in conflict-affected areas. Children face heightened risks of violence, displacement, hunger, interrupted education and long-term trauma when crises strike.
The report argues that children cannot simply be treated as part of the wider civilian population. Their unique vulnerabilities, rights and needs require a distinct policy response at every stage of humanitarian planning, funding and implementation.
A critical opportunity during Ireland's EU Presidency
Ireland's Presidency comes at a pivotal moment, with major EU policy and budget decisions set to shape the future of humanitarian and development cooperation for years to come. The paper highlights several opportunities for Ireland to champion a child-sensitive humanitarian agenda, including:
- Prioritising investment in children within the EU's next Multiannual Financial Framework (2028-2034).
- Strengthening references to children's specific vulnerabilities in upcoming EU humanitarian policy discussions.
- Protecting funding for Education in Emergencies and maintaining the EU's 10% funding target.
- Promoting a child-centred approach to humanitarian diplomacy.
- Supporting girls affected by conflict and crisis through dedicated funding and targeted policies.
- Ensuring meaningful participation of children and young people in decision-making processes.
Building on Ireland's leadership
Ireland has a strong track record of championing children's rights, international humanitarian law and principled humanitarian action. The report argues that the Presidency presents a unique opportunity for Ireland to translate these commitments into concrete action at EU level and help ensure that children are not left behind in humanitarian responses.
As humanitarian needs continue to rise while resources come under increasing pressure, placing children at the centre of EU external action is not only a moral imperative but also an investment in future peace, stability and resilience.
About the report
The report was developed through a collaborative process led by World Vision Ireland, UNICEF Ireland, Plan International Ireland and Save the Children, drawing on policy analysis and a high-level roundtable held in Dublin in May 2026 that brought together policymakers, civil society, academics, humanitarian organisations and young people.