Over 65 million individuals were estimated to have been forcibly displaced worldwide as a result of persecution, conflict, generalised violence, or other human rights violations in 2015, representing an increase of almost six million compared to the previous year. Humanitarian challenges of protracted fragility and conflict-related crises, and the more recent unprecedented refugee movement around the globe underscore the need to break down the barriers between humanitarian and development work. This is essential if the human rights and the wellbeing of children and families everywhere are to be realised.
Responsive long-term systems are needed to reach affected vulnerable populations consistently. Acute and extended crises have contributed to population flows which also highlight the need for long-term solutions in countries of destination.
UNICEF and the European Commission (Directorate-General for European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations – DG ECHO, and the Directorate-General for International Cooperation and Development – DG DEVCO), together with key partner UN agencies and governments including: FAO, Finland, Germany, SIDA, UK aid, UNHCR, World Bank and WFP, are organising this conference to shed new light on the prospects of using social protection systems in these contexts. The intention is to have a clear focus on improving the living conditions, livelihoods and social inclusion of affected populations, including children, refugees, internally displaced populations, which tend to be highly vulnerable and are often denied basic human rights. With a view to work towards a humanitarian-development continuum, the conference will also aim to highlight the opportunity for humanitarian responses either to build on existing social protection systems or to help create them.