Principal CP issues and approaches in emergencies

What is Child Protection?

Currently no common definition of child protection for humanitarian organizations

There is however an agreement on the basic elements of child protection.

The protection of children from:– Violence– Exploitation– Abuse– Promotion of their Development and

Psychosocial Wellbeing3

“Protection from Violence, Exploitation and Abuse”

Needs to be addressed: 1. At the levels of all duty bearers2. Within traditional sectors such as health,

education, water and sanitation3. With other partners and actors – social

welfare, media, police, FBOs, justice officials, private sector

Emergencies can exacerbate existing child protection issues, and introduce new threats 3

Definition of Child Protection

All activities aimed at ensuring protection of children from violence, exploitation, abuse and neglect.

Violation of a child’s right to protection is a violation of human rights and a significant barrier to child survival and physical/mental development.

All activities aimed at ensuring respect and fulfillment of human rights, as expressed in international human rights and humanitarian law.

All activities must be conducted in accordance with universally accepted humanitarian principles.

IASC Definition of Protection

Responsive Action

Strategic Protection Egg

The Protective Environment Framework

3

Child Protection in Emergencies – A Massive Issue

In emergencies, children can experience the following protection risks:• Become separated from their families

• Experience psychosocial distress

• Experience sexual and gender-based violence

• Heightened risk of physical violence and abuse

• Become recruited into armed forces or groups

• Political violence, such as abduction or torture

Emergencies can exacerbate existing CP problems such as child labor, access to justice, trafficking, violence in educational settings. 3

Applying the protective environment in emergencies

→ Examples training teachers, health

workers, social workers, lawyers

families and communities to early marriage / sexual exploitation

laws and recourse to GBV of abductions, attacks on

schools…

for family tracing and reintegration

knowledge on HIV and prevention of exploitation

through child protection committees

to releasing children recruited unlawfully

Element

Capacity

Attitudes, customs, and behaviour

Legislation

Monitoring and Reporting

Services

Life skills

Open discussion of protection issues

Government Commitment

Core Child Protection Commitments

1. Rapid assessment Monitoring Advocate

2. Prevent and respond to separation Support to separated children Trace Families

3. Prevent and respond to GBV [and HIV transmission] Minimise risk in humanitarian assistance

4. Establish safe environments for children Psychosocial support

5. Prevent and respond to child recruitment

6. Coordinate mine risk education