DEATH

What is child
protection in
emergencies?
The majority of those affected by humanitarian emergencies are children. 12 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.
As described in the 2012 Minimum Standards for Child Protection Humanitaran Action,
the range of protection concerns faced by children in humanitarian contexts comprises:
• n Dangers and injuriesn
• n Physical violence and harmful practicesn
• n Sexual violencen
• n Psychosocial distress and mental disordersn
• n Children associated with armed forces and armed groupsn
• n Child labourn
• n Unaccompanied and separated children n
n • Justice for children n
n
n
n
10 A MATTER OF LIFE AND DEATH: CHILD PROTECTION IN EMERGENCIES