Protecting children in humanitarian action
Children pay the highest price of humanitarian crisis. Armed conflict, natural disasters and other emergencies expose millions of girls and boys to unthinkable forms of violence, exploitation, abuse and neglect. Many children are forced to flee their homes, some torn from their parents and caregivers along the way. In conflict, children may be…, Topics, Explosive weapons and remnants of war, Explosive weapons kill and injure thousands of civilians each year, during and after armed conflict. Children account for roughly half of the casualties from explosive ordnance. Child survivors endure staggering physical injury and psychological trauma. But explosive weapons also inflict severe harm on children indirectly: Especially in populated…, Children recruited by armed forces, Thousands of children are recruited and used in armed conflicts across the world. Often referred to as “child soldiers,” these boys and girls suffer extensive forms of exploitation and abuse that are not fully captured by that term. Warring parties use children not only as fighters, but as scouts, cooks, porters, guards, messengers and more. Learn…, Gender-based violence, Gender-based violence is the most pervasive yet least visible human rights violation in the world. It includes physical, sexual, mental or economic harm inflicted on a person because of socially ascribed power imbalances between males and females. It also includes the threat of violence, coercion and deprivation of liberty, whether in public or…, Family separation during crisis, Violent conflicts, natural disasters and other crises force thousands of children from their parents and caregivers each year. Some are separated from their families during the chaos of a humanitarian emergency. Others may be pulled away by parties involved in a violent conflict. Children may be separated from their families for hours, days,…, Mental health and psychosocial support, Children exposed to conflict, natural disasters and other humanitarian crises can suffer severe psychological and social consequences. Mental health and psychosocial support for children affected by emergencies is essential. Learn more, Sexual exploitation and abuse, In areas affected by conflict, natural disasters and other emergencies, people trust aid workers to assist and protect them. The vast majority do so with professionalism and integrity. But some aid workers abuse their position of power through the sexual exploitation and abuse of those who depend on them, including children. These acts are…, What we do, UNICEF is a global leader for child protection in emergencies. We partner with governments, international organizations, and communities themselves to keep children from harm’s way and support those who have experienced violence or abuse. We also develop evidence-based technical standards, guidance and advocacy strategies to arm child protection…, For every child, protection, UNICEF responds to humanitarian emergencies in every corner of the globe., Learn more, Resources, UNICEF Humanitarian Practice UNICEF in Emergencies UNICEF Humanitarian Practice: COVID-19 Technical Guidance Minimum Standards for Child Protection in Humanitarian Action, 2019 Gender-Based Violence Minimum Standards Toolkit on Unaccompanied and Separated Children Inter-agency Guidelines for Case Management and Child Protection Guidance Note:…
