Disaster risk reduction and child protection
Disasters can heighten the vulnerability of children in many ways and lead to an increased risk of neglect, separation, abandonment, abuse, economic exploitation, illegal adoption and multiple forms of violence. Strong child protection measures can play an important role in preventing or reducing the possible consequences of a natural hazard, helping to create a safer and more resilient community for women and children. Child protection and DRR programming needs to encompass activities aimed at preventing and responding to the protection risks for children and women in times of disaster. This requires an assessment of potential risks faced by women and children, as well as an analysis of what preventive measures can be developed to mitigate them in conjunction with other sectors.