Advocacy

Our Impact

580 Million

children are benefiting from at least one newly implemented or improved policy change thanks to World Vision’s work

91%

of World Vision programmes supported the community to advocate to decision-makers for changes in policy or practice

5.2 Million

advocacy actions were taken by supporters, including children and young people, in support of World Vision’s work

81%

of the 707 million vulnerable children in the countries where World Vision operates were positively impacted by policy change

945+

policy changes to which World Vision contributed in 73 countries, that address the root cause of vulnerability

Facts and figures based on 2023 data

The hard truth

 

Children and their rights have been deprioritised.

We are now in the middle of a multilayered children’s crisis. Widening inequalities and geopolitical tensions were only worsened with the impacts of COVID-19 and continue to deteriorate as climate change, conflict and rising costs of living disproportionately affect children. 

Our efforts to prioritise children’s rights have been hindered, and in some cases, even reversed. To put this in perspective, only one in three child-related SDG indicators have either been met or are on track to be met by 2030. 

The reality is that many children today find themselves in volatile circumstances they had no part in creating, and face uncertain futures. The clock is ticking and children’s well-being, and entire lives, are at risk.

WHY WE MUST ACT NOW

Children living in a refugee camp in Syria

1 in 6 children

worldwide are living in a conflict zone

Child in wheelchair being pushed by care taker

1 in 3 children

worldwide lack access to basic services such as health care, education, and social protection

Girls happily learning in school

12 million girls

are still being married prematurely every year

girl holding bowl of food at school feeding

Numbers have doubled

for how many people are facing extreme hunger since 2019

Boy working at a mine in Afghanistan

1 in 5

children are trapped in child labour in the world’s poorest countries.

Sources: UNICEF, Progress on Children’s Well-being, 2023; FSIN and GNAFC, Global Report on Food Crises, 2023.

Our bold hope

 

It’s our goal to revitalise children’s rights and point the spotlight back on children.

They are calling on us and the global community to address their rights and needs, now. Grounded in our faith, we are united by the call to seek justice for all. It’s because of our faith that we are able to press on with hope even in the bleakest of circumstances. God’s love, compassion, and mercy knows no boundaries when it comes to protecting the world’s most vulnerable children. Neither should we.

Are you ready to respond?

Say ENOUGH to child hunger

quote
The first thing I want to say is don't be pessimistic. Even though you don't believe you change something, there is always a way. Express anything you want without being afraid of rejection. The greatest thoughts sleep in the most silent mouths.
📢 IGLI, 18, ALBANIA

Together, we can work towards a better world for everyone 

 

At World Vision, we know we can’t do it alone. Our advocacy work is rooted in relationships and partnerships. Only together, when addressing the root causes of injustice, can we co-create long-lasting solutions that fuel a movement that is impossible to ignore and inspire others to act.

1

YOUNG LEADERS

2

FAITH LEADERS

3

LOCAL COMMUNITIES

4

WORLD VISION STAFF & SUPPORTERS

5

PARTNERS

6

GOVERNMENT LEADERS

Who better to advocate for children than children and young leaders themselves?

They are the real Changemakers in this global movement. We believe young people will lead the way and it’s our job to listen to them and amplify their voices. Click below to see how Young Leaders are leading our ENOUGH Campaign to end child hunger and malnutrition.
ENOUGH! Meet the Young Leaders >

Research shows that the credible presence of local faith actors far outlasts the cycle of governments and political parties.

We collaborate and mobilise with faith leaders who share common values of non-violence, non-discrimination, non-proselytism, transparency, and a commitment to support the holistic well-being of children.
Our Approach to Faith and Development >

To see children’s rights protected and correctly implemented, we need to rally the individuals who interact with children in everyday circumstances in their local contexts.

We partner with parents, teachers, mentors, community health workers, and even law enforcement to be on alert when children’s rights are being threatened and how to respond. Learn how our community health workers are bringing healthcare closer to children to end in need.
Community Health Workers End Malaria >

World Vision operates in nearly 100 countries, where we equip our staff and technical experts to be the hands and feet of Jesus in their own local communities.

Thanks to our supporters, and many more are now rallying around the ENOUGH campaign, we’ve mobilised 2.3 million actions to end violence against children. Read our latest global Advocacy Strategic Measures Report to learn about the impact we've had through our advocacy work.
Global Impact Report >

In the humanitarian space, collaboration through partnership is key.

When it comes to children’s rights, we all need to leverage our unique strengths and connections for the sake of the next generation. Click below to learn more about how we partner.
Our Partners >

We know that a shift in a single policy or the reallocation of a smaller percentage of government or donor budgets can impact the lives of children far exceeding the number we serve as World Vision.

Our advocacy work targets government leaders to prioritise children, whether through aid, national budgets or policy change. Learn more about our work with the European Union.
Our work with the EU >

Our Young Leaders

Jason - DRC

When children and young people participate, it is possible to make a change

Jason's Article
Yeonseo - Korea

Cyberbullying in and around school: Stop Hesitating, Take Action!

Yeon-seo's Article
Carlos - Brazil

Our child-led research makes child activists’ voices stronger in Brazil

Carlos' Article
Genoveva - Tanzania

"Address the pain children face from hunger"

Genoveva's Article

Publications

Price Shocks: Economic gains masking a growing hunger and malnutrition crisis
PRICE SHOCKS

Economic gains masking a growing hunger and malnutrition crisis

In this report, we deepen the investigation into existing barriers, such as conflict and violence, climate extremes, and lasting economic ripples from...

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Young and Married
CHILD MARRIAGE

Young and Married Report

The concept of girls’ agency — ‘the ability to define one’s goals and act on them’— is increasingly important in understanding child marriage, from...

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Spotlight on Ukraine's Children and Youth: Experiences and Perceptions
CONFLICT

Spotlight on Ukraine's Children and Youth: Experiences and Perceptions

Learn more about the experience and perceptions of displaced Ukrainian children: Safety and security, educational concerns, cultural adaptation and...

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Growing Up in the Climate Crisis
CLIMATE CHANGE

Growing Up in the Climate Crisis

The study focused on the effects of climate shocks on specific vulnerable communities and critical areas of children and young people’s well-being and...

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