Protecting basic human rights during the outbreak

How the needs of the most vulnerable are being addressed amidst the world’s new normal

While COVID-19 is bringing change to how we live, learn and work, challenges to human rights remain a key concern at Children Believe and other like-minded organizations and groups.

“Once this pandemic started, it exacerbated all of the issues we had pointed out before it began, such as poverty, the lack of access to quality education and the lack of access to health services,” says Nwanneakolam Vwede-Obahor, head of UN Human Rights East Africa regional office, in a recent article. “But it has also helped to confirm why the UN is here: to show governments how to do better for those who could possibly fall through the cracks.”

That mandate applies to many organizations.

At Children Believe, we’ve been connecting with vulnerable children and families to ensure they have access to life’s basic essentials, from food and clean water to personal-protective equipment to medical supplies for ill-equipped community health centres.

We’re also re-engaging community safety systems as financial and emotional hardships lead to child labour; early, forced marriage; and sexual abuse.

Creating an environment where children are nourished and healthy is key to our goal to keep them on course to complete their education. And, where possible, we’re providing alternative education outside the classroom.

You can help today. Learn more about other ways you can provide support.

About Children Believe

Children Believe works globally to empower children to dream fearlessly, stand up for what they believe in — and be heard. For 60+ years, we’ve brought together brave young dreamers, caring supporters and partners, and unabashed idealists. Together, we’re driven by a common belief: creating access to education — inside and outside of classrooms — is the most powerful tool children can use to change their world.

About Inspiring Stories

May 2025

Canada’s Opportunity to Lead: Education as a Path ...

As the G7 Summit approaches, Children Believe CEO Fred Witteveen calls on Canada to lead the world in supporting 12 years of quality education for all children—because education is key to global peace and prosperity.

May 2025

Menstrual Hygiene Day 2025

A new government program in Ghana is providing free sanitary pads to help girls stay in school. Learn how Children Believe is supporting this initiative to break down barriers and fight period poverty.

May 2025

From Despair to a New Dawn Varalakshmi’s Story of ...

A moving story of resilience—learn how Varalakshmi overcame poverty, loss and stigma to build a better life for her children with the support of Children Believe and its local partner in India.