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WHY IT MATTERS

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Today, over 5.4 million children are trapped within institutions. It’s not right and it must stop.

Explore below to learn more about the connections between children growing up in orphanages and other key areas of human rights and development. 

How orphanages harm children

Orphanages don't help children - they harm them. Children who grow up in orphanages routinely suffer violence, abuse and neglect. Read more about the various ways that orphanages harm children.

How orphanages hold back progress

There are strong connections between the institutionalisation of children and other key areas of human rights and development, including the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Explore the links between orphanages and issues like poverty, health and education here.