Preventing Maltreatment of Children including during Emergencies
Children are among the most vulnerable groups of people in need of good parenting, protection from maltreatment and protection in case of an emergency.
- Available in:
- فارسي، فارسي
- English
Challenges
There are three issues that the Government has requested UNICEF to help address: (1) According to Iran’s Act on the Protection of Children and Adolescents (2002), any form of child maltreatment is forbidden. Enforcement of this provision requires development and implementation of a national programme for prevention and early detection of child maltreatment. (2) Children without effective caregivers are a priority group for provision of care and support. State Welfare Organization experts have requested support to improve the quality of services for these children and a monitoring system to follow-up on their situation. (3) Iran is highly exposed to natural hazards including earthquakes, floods, droughts, landslides, and major storms. Children are among the most vulnerable groups of people in need of protection in case of an emergency. There is a need for a comprehensive understanding of Child Protection in Emergencies.
Solutions
UNICEF works with the Government and other partners to:
- Promote good parenting care to ensure the full development of children and adolescents and strengthen capacities of the health, education and social welfare systems for prevention, early detection, and response to child maltreatment, particularly in home and school settings.
- Enhance the State Welfare Organization’s capacity to monitor the situation of children without effective caregivers in centers and foster homes.
- Improve capacities of key actors on Child Protection in Emergencies (CPiE) and establish a national coordination mechanism for CPiE.
Impact
Children will be better protected against violence, particularly against violent disciplining and bullying, in the home, schools, and institutions. The health, education and social welfare systems will have stronger capacity for prevention and early detection of child maltreatment. Children without effective caregivers in alternative care settings will benefit from quality care and protection services and will have a better chance of leading a normal life when they return to society. Child protection will be integrated in the country’s emergency preparedness and response capacity.
Partners
The main partners are the Ministry of Health, Treatment and Medical Education, Ministry of Education, State Welfare Organization, National Disaster Management Organization and Iranian Red Crescent Society.