Salvation Army clarifies commitment to protecting vulnerable children

The Salvation Army is maintaining a strong presence at the United Nations conferences currently taking place in New York through its International Social Justice Commission (ISJC). 

The focus of the 70th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women is the elimination of violence against women, economic empowerment and the protection of the ‘girl child’. The Salvation Army is committed to the rights of all women and girls. In addition, the movement has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting all children from sale, sexual exploitation and abuse. 

This is a reaffirmation of The Salvation Army’s stance on protecting children from sexual exploitation at the 58th Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva last year. During the Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the Sale and Sexual Exploitation of Children, The Salvation Army strengthened and clarified its stance as we live in a time when the number of vulnerable children is extremely high due to an increase in displaced populations arising from conflict across the world. 

Ongoing work supporting children and families

Working in more than 130 countries, The Salvation Army supports children and families affected by poverty, displacement, trafficking and online exploitation. In 2025 alone, the organisation assisted over 25,000 survivors of modern slavery and human trafficking, including many children who had been subjected to sexual exploitation.

Highlighting the importance of coordinated international protection, the movement shared the case of a girl trafficked across borders under false promises of education. Following her escape, she received emergency care and psychosocial support, and was safely reunified through cross-border cooperation. She has since returned to school and continues to receive follow-up care. 

Despite progress, significant protection gaps remain. Many children lack safe reporting mechanisms, while migrant and displaced children face heightened risks. The Salvation Army emphasised the need for stronger trauma-informed training and resources for front-line workers. 

Three key priorities

The Salvation Army urged three key priorities: increased investment in community-based prevention; strengthened cross-border collaboration focused on protection rather than bureaucracy; and ensuring child- and survivor-led approaches inform policy and accountability. 

The Salvation Army reiterated its commitment to partnering with other nation states to ensure every child is safe, valued and free to flourish.  

To read this story, and others from The Salvation Army International Headquarters, click here.

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The full International Positional Statement on Religious Freedom is available through The Salvation Army’s International Headquarters.

Go to the IHQ website on International Positional Statements here