In Ethiopia, over 28.6 million people are estimated to be in need of humanitarian assistance due to multiple overlapping humanitarian crises. According to the humanitarian response plan, over 4.5 million Internally Displaced People (IDPs) required humanitarian assistance in 2023. The HRP 2023 document clearly indicates that of the total population, 20 million people are estimated to be experiencing food insecurity and 4.9 million need life-sustaining protection services. Among the people in need of protection services, 56% are children, 25% are women, and 17% are people living with disabilities.

Shockingly, man-made and natural crises have led children and their families to be displaced and denied access to basic rights. Children remain at risk of protection concerns and are exposed to different forms of exploitation resulting from the ongoing conflict and climate shocks. Moreover, Girls and young women face multiple challenges due to hindering socio-cultural attitudes, lack of institutions supporting them and limited political will. As a result, girls and young women suffer from limited access to basic rights such as education and sexual and reproductive health. Moreover, they become victims of child marriage, trafficking, and sexual and labour exploitation. We seek to accelerate progress on stopping child exploitation by expanding knowledge through research, catalysing collaborations, and influencing change.