The responsibility for the provision of education to children rests primarily with the government of the state in which they live. In many contexts, however, the government has limited capacity to deliver a functional educational structure. In a few cases the state itself does not even exist, or is effectively denying education provision to certain … More Supporting formal education
In emergency settings, schools may be damaged or unusable, and displacement may put pressure on host education systems meaning that capacity for all children to be in school is limited. In these situations, local partners may establish education programmes to try to bridge this gap, and where partners are not experienced education providers, capacity building … More Capacity building for education
In emergency contexts, with the possible loss of livelihoods and access to education, and when families are separated and displaced, children become particularly vulnerable to child labour. Child labour can be defined as work that deprives children of their childhood, potential and dignity; work that is harmful to their physical and mental development because it is … More Support for children involved in child labour
Adolescent girls aged between 10 and 19 constitute one of the most at-risk groups in emergencies, due to their physical development and age. These factors can lead to higher levels of sexual violence such as rape, sexual exploitation, early or forced marriage and unintended pregnancy. During crises, weakened institutions, poverty and financial hardship leave girls especially … More Safety for adolescent girls
Psychological first aid (PFA) is a humane, supportive response to someone who is suffering and who may need support. PFA can help reduce the initial distress of children caused by accidents, natural disasters, conflicts and other critical incidents. PFA helps children to: When to carry out psychological first aid In crisis events, children react and think differently to adults, … More Psychological first aid for children
A community-based child protection mechanism (CBCPM) is a network or group of individuals at community level who work in a coordinated way toward child protection goals. Communities can provide significant ways of preventing and responding to child protection risks. Even in situations of mass displacement where no ‘community’ is easy to see, groups of people … More Community based child protection
Interim care refers to care provided to separated children while families are traced and before decisions are reached about permanent care. Alternative care is the care provided for children by caregivers who are not their biological parents. This care may take the form of informal or formal care. When should we use interim and alternative care? … More Interim and alternative care
In emergencies, the highest mortality rates occur in newborns and infants – particularly in the acute phase of an emergency. Careful attention to pregnant mothers, infants and toddlers, and support for good practice to care and protect them, saves lives and has a lifelong impact on child’s health and development. It is important to focus on primary … More Parent and child support programmes for young children
Without a birth certificate, children miss out on their right to an identity and often fail to access basic services, sit for school exams, receive free healthcare or claim rights to legal protection. In emergencies and in displacement contexts, access to birth certificates can be disrupted and their are often additional barriers to registration. When … More Birth registration
Boys and girls who are recruited by armed forces or armed groups in conflict can be used as combatants but also in active support roles such as spies, porters or informants, or for sexual purposes. Children associated with armed forces are exposed to violence and are often abused, forced to use drugs, exploited and injured. … More Interim care and reintegration for children associated with armed forces
children in emergencies toolkit 