A matter of life and death: Child protection programming’s essential role in ensuring child wellbeing and survival during and after emergencies
The majority of those affected by humanitarian emergencies are children. In times of crisis, children face increased risk of all forms of violence and exploitation. Emergencies both exacerbate pre-existing protection concerns and create new ones.
Child protection in emergencies is defined as the prevention of and response to abuse, neglect, exploitation, and violence against children in times of emergency caused by natural or manmade disasters, conflicts, or other crises. It involves specific activities by child protection actors, whether national or community-based, and/or by humanitarian staff and others supporting local capacities.
This report outlines the various reasons why protecting children from violence and exploitation is a life-saving intervention during and after emergencies, and should be prioritized for funding in all humanitarian crises.