The Alliance for Child Protection in Humanitarian Action

Overview

The Alliance for Child Protection in Humanitarian Action is a global network co-led by UNICEF and Plan International, comprising over 320 member organizations, more than 75% of which are local or national actors. Its vision is to create a world where children are protected from abuse, neglect, exploitation, and violence in humanitarian settings. To achieve this, the Alliance works across five strategic areas: developing and updating standards and technical guidance; building capacity through training and learning opportunities; generating evidence and knowledge; advocating for policy and funding; and convening agencies at all levels for coordinated action.

A key component of the Alliance’s work is its custodianship of the Minimum Standards for Child Protection in Humanitarian Action (CPMS). Originally released in 2012 and revised in 2019, the CPMS provides a foundational framework that guides practitioners through all phases of humanitarian response—from preparedness to recovery—ensuring that interventions are principled, inclusive, and accountable. The standards are aligned with international law, including the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, and complement other frameworks like the Sphere Handbook, emphasizing the prevention of harm, non-discrimination, child participation, and the best interests of the child.