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<p>The UK is firmly committed to ensuring that the needs of children affected by conflict
are addressed. 50% of DFID’s spending is directed towards fragile states and regions,
including the many countries which Save the Children highlights are the most dangerous
for children.</p><p>Our investment in protecting children in conflict zones is emphasised
through our many multi-lateral and bilateral programmes around the world. Some of
the examples of how we achieve this are as follows. We are the largest contributor
to Education Cannot Wait, the first global movement aid fund dedicated to education
in emergencies and protracted crises. Through this, we target some of the world’s
most vulnerable children, aiming to reach 3.4 million children through its first set
of investments. We contribute funds to the No Lost Generation Initiative, a commitment
by the international community to support children and youth affected by the Syria
and Iraq crises, mainly in education and protection. In Somalia, we work with the
UN and international NGOs to ensure the rights of children affected by conflict are
addressed through family reunification, support to their nutrition needs and reducing
the risks faced by displaced children. In Yemen and Iraq we fund UN agencies to undertake
critical child protection work. In Afghanistan we seek to change the way the conflict
is fought to reduce child casualties and ensure that vulnerable children have access
to supportive services.</p><p>We do not have plans to publish a response to Save the
Children’s report, <em>The War on Children</em> - DFID officials are in regular contact
with Save the Children on this agenda. We recently partnered to co-host a high level
Wilton Park dialogue to address the mental health and psychosocial support needs of
children affected by conflict in the Middle East.</p>
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