Guidance note

Pandemics such as COVID-19 present more opportunities for exploitation and abuse. As the need for aid increases, with supply of and access to aid decreasing simultaneously, these unequal power dynamics are exacerbated further.  Concurrently, due to the restrictions placed on movement, domestic violence, intimate partner, and gender-based violence are also likely to increase. This can be heightened as school closures occur, and house- hold stressors increase – such as job losses, economic burden, and caring responsibilities (which surge, especially for women and adolescent girls). Children and adults with disabilities are at an increased risk of being harmed, abused, or exploited due to perceived power dynamics and their reduced opportunity to report concerns, when compared with their non-disabled peers. Humanitarian workers should be mindful of the increased risk to certain groups, know what signs of abuse to look for and champion the rights of at-risk groups in all settings, especially high-risk ones. Furthermore, if parents / carers are forced to self-isolate or are hospitalised, the risk of exploitation for children will increase. For some, this will result in them resorting to negative coping mechanisms such as early marriage, forced labour, trafficking and sex work.

We know that in emergency situations it is likely that harm, exploitation, neglect, and abuse will increase. Humanitarian crises exacerbate the unequal power dynamic between those in receipt of, and those with access to, aid. Opportunities to abuse therefore also increase. 

The aim of this guidance is to support practitioners working with at-risk communities, providing advice on how to safely and appropriately communicate PSEA and safeguarding messages, including examples of best practice. 

Childhub

You might like..

0
168
Publisher: Safeguarding Resource & Support Hub This webinar explores what the global Covid-19 pandemic means for Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment safeguarding, how prevention and response measures, including investigations, need to…
0
55
This guidance is designed to assist practitioners in preventing child sexual exploitation (CSE), protecting children and young people who are at risk of abuse or are abused through sexual exploitation, and disrupting and prosecuting those who…
0
15
COVID-19 has now spread to virtually every country in the world and has a devastating impact on people, economies, health systems, and communities. While most people's lives are put on hold, criminals are finding ways to take advantage of the…
0
38
This publication provides valuable information on how include marginalized and vulnerable people in risk communication in regards to COVID-19, aka Coronavirus. Marginalized people become even more vulnerable in emergencies. By understanding why…
0
31
While most people are trying to solve the problems COVID-19 has caused all over the world, criminals are taking advantage of the situation by putting children at increased risk of sexual abuse and exploitation.  During the COVID-…
0
232
On 18 November, the Council of Europe will celebrate the 3rd edition of the European Day on the Protection of Children from Sexual Exploitation and Sexual Abuse. Together with the Council of Europe digital parenting coach @DigiParentCoach Elizabeth…
0
65
These Guidelines are the product of lengthy collaborative work between international government organizations, NGOs working in child protection and academic and researchers in the field. As the UN Special Rapporteur on the Sale of Children…
0
39
ECPAT International has published a guidelines document that clarifies the definition and the use of certain terms in the field of child protection. Terminlogy affects everything from how we respond to an incident, to how policies and laws are…
0
13
In this Special Report, the Lanzarote Committee covers the situation of sexual exploitation and abuse of children affected by refugee crises in 41 states that are part of the Convention. Through this monitoring report the Lanzarote Commitee…
0
179
Psychological first aid (PFA) is a method of helping people in distress so they feel calm and supported to cope better with their challenges. It is a way of assisting someone to manage their situation and make informed decisions. The basis of…
0
25
The Welsh Government issued a Consultation document on the topic of safeguarling children from sexual exploitation. The Consultation document is related to the Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014, in particular part 7 of the ‘…
no
0
38
In this article, an expert explains what to teach kids about sexual abuse and How to encourage children to report assaults. Data shows that the number of sexual assaults in schools is increasing, however, many cases have not been reported…
0
23
As part of the SOLIDARITY and TOGETHER campaign against Covid 19 and human trafficking, Astra has published electronic versions of booklets for children and adults. This manual is intended for children.
0
31
This bulletin of the Secretary General contains the special measures for the purpose of preventing and addressing cases of sexual exploitation and sexual abuse. 
0
9
This guidance aims to support the Child Protection and Education practitioners who respond to the needs of children in humanitarian crises. This includes relevant government line ministries, national civil society organizations, community and faith-…