Emergency Capacity Building Project

Protection of Children and other Vulnerable Groups

Child Protection in Emergencies

Definition of ProtectionSave the Children’s (SC) proposed definition

SC defines child protection in emergencies as: actions that prevent or address harm (that might be) caused to children –whether directly or indirectly – by States or non-sates actors (including armed groups).

In this context, harm describes the direct impact on children (such as physical or mental suffering or developmental impediment) of others ’actions (such as abuse or violence). It does not refer, by contrast, to the possible indirect impact of others’ actions (such as hunger caused by food shortages caused by displacement caused by conflict; or ill-health caused through unsanitary conditions caused by a collapse in government services during a natural disaster).

Principles of Protection:

“DO NO HARM”: ensure all interventions will not have a negative impact.

“Confidentiality”: what does this mean? Disclosures during training Coordination with other agencies (UN or other)

Definition of “Psychosocial”

For the purpose of this statement, “psychosocial” refers to the dynamic relationship that exists between psychological and social effects, each continually inter-acting with and influencing the other.

“Psychological effects” are those which affect different levels of functioning including cognitive (perceptions and memory as a basis for thoughts and learning), affective (emotions), and behavioural.

“Social effects” pertain to altered relationships, family and community networks, and economic status.

Considerations in safe space areas (SPA)

Leaders and others challenging SCUK on programme coverage

Asking to see the SPA Display of trauma; anger etc in SPAs Training of animators in child protection: is there ever

enough time? Materials: appropriate?

Definitions of Separated and Unaccompanied Children

Separated Children: are those separated from both parents, or from their previous legal or customary primary care giver, but not necessarily from other care-givers/relatives. These may, therefore, include accompanied by other adult family members

Unaccompanied Children(also called unaccompanied minors) are children who have been separated from both parents and other relatives and not being cared for by an adult who, by law or custom, is responsible for doing so.

Orphans are children, both of whose parents are known to be dead. In some countries, however, a child who has lost one parent is called an called an orphan.