Global Protection Forum 2026 - Session 5 : Destruction and Closure of Critical Protection Infrastructure and Essential Services: Protection, Health, and Education – a Continuum of Care?

The destruction, closure or disruption of critical infrastructure and essential services – including protection services, women and girls’ safe spaces, child-friendly spaces, schools, and health facilities – can have profound protection consequences for affected populations. Beyond the immediate loss of services, such disruptions can increase exposure to protection risks, exacerbate existing vulnerabilities, and undermine people’s access to basic rights and essential assistance. This session will explore the interlinkages between protection, health and education services and consider how their disruption affects a broader continuum of care. The discussion will also consider how humanitarian actors can better anticipate, prevent and respond to these consequences, including through more integrated approaches to protecting and maintaining essential services.