One and a half million children have been killed in armed conflicts throughout the world over the last ten years. Four million children have been disabled in these conflicts. Many millions more, themselves traumatised, have had their communities destroyed, or have been denied the opportunity to celebrate in full their childhood and prevented from developing the livelihood skills that they will need to live fulfilling lives as they grow.

War Child's beliefs
War Child believes that children should never be the victims of armed conflict. For those children who become victims of armed conflict, War Child believes that their security and access to quality health, education and recreational facilities and services should still be a right and that, wherever possible, they should benefit from the love and care of their families and communities.

War Child's Mission
By harnessing the commitment to the commonly held belief that children should never be the victims of armed conflict, War Child exists to:
- provide emergency relief to children and those people they depend upon in areas of armed conflict.
- protect children who live in areas of armed conflict.
- address the on-going consequences of conflict on children.

War Child does this by:
- working with local communities, their organisations and local authorities in both conflict and post-conflict areas to support children and the people they depend upon.
- ensuring sustainable security for children.
- promoting child supportive livelihood opportunities.
- addressing the developmental needs of the most vulnerable and marginalised children.

Background
War Child was founded in 1993 in response to the conflict raging in the former Yugoslavia. Initially raising money through entertainment events and public appeals, War Child set out to bring immediate material aid to children of all ages and ethnic backgrounds.

As War Child grew it was able to undertake larger projects, the first being a mobile bakery which fed thousands of people a day throughout the conflict in Bosnia. Funding a network of NGOs and implementing more than twenty projects throughout the region, War Child's work included food provision, medical care, reconstruction and educational and social welfare programmes. The opening of the Pavarotti Music Centre in Mostar marked the culmination of War Child's work in Bosnia, and the centre stands as a symbol of hope and regeneration in the country.

War Child has since spread its work to war zones around the world. As well as continuing its work in the Balkans, War Child is currently operational in Iraq, Afghanistan and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Working without prejudice of any kind, War Child champions the right of all children to a happy, healthy and secure childhood. It works together with children to help build a better world for present and future generations.

DJNeRd©2005