NCJ Number
237203
Journal
Child Abuse & Neglect Volume: 35 Issue: 12 Dated: December 2011 Pages: 1045-1052
Date Published
December 2011
Length
8 pages
Annotation
This paper discusses the experiences of conducting child protection assessments in four specific humanitarian crises.
Abstract
The humanitarian emergencies assessment provides officials not only with a way to identify the risks faced by children affected by the emergencies, but also with a way to shape the humanitarian response in order to protect the children. This article examines four specific humanitarian emergencies to identify common themes found in the emergencies and to propose strategies to more effectively plan and implement assessments that identify threats to children's rights and well-being in an emergency situation. The four case studies examined in this paper are: the country of Georgia following the conflict between Russia and Georgian forces in August 2008; Gaza following the Israeli military incursion beginning in December 2008; Haiti following the earthquake of January 2010; and Yemen following the ceasefire agreement between the government and rebel forces in early 2010. For each case study, the context of the emergency is outlined, along with the processes used to plan, and where appropriate, implement child protection assessments. The analyses of the four cases indicate that while the context of the humanitarian emergencies varies widely from one incident to the next, certain processes should be followed to effectively conduct child protection assessments that include securing inter-agency coordination, preparation, and capacity building. References