Protection from violence and abuse
Children worldwide suffer from abhorrent acts of violence, exploitation and abuse—horrors no child should ever know or experience. Over 300 million of them are subjected to hazardous physical labor, commercial sex exploitation and human trafficking. Others are irrevocably harmed by cultural practices such as female genital mutilation and early marriage. Without basic protections, children are at risk of death, disease, poor physical and mental development, and homelessness.
UNICEF cooperates with governments, NGOs, and international organizations to protect vulnerable young people through widespread advocacy of legislation, monitoring systems and rehabilitation and recovery programs. It also works with communities to address harmful practices and empower children through educational, life-skills and prevention programs. And progress is being made: for example, data show that the average age for marriage is steadily rising in Bangladesh, Guinea, and Nepal—countries where child wedlock is prevalent.
Special protection in emergencies and conflict
Children are especially vulnerable to abuse and exploitation during emergencies and armed conflicts. During times of crisis, UNICEF works diligently to care for children who have been separated from their families; to create protective “child-friendly” spaces; and to offer medical treatment and counseling. In countries wracked by violent conflict and upheaval, it also protects children from military conscription and helps child soldiers and sex slaves recover and reintegrate into their communities. UNICEF actively advocates to protect children and women from the systematic sexual violence that is increasingly used as a weapon of war. In 2009 alone, UNICEF facilitated the release of 2,813 child soldiers from on-going civil conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Without protection from violence and exploitation, children’s basic survival and development are at risk. Every day, millions of child laborers, sex workers and soldiers are denied their fundamental right to safety and security. UNICEF's child protection programs strive to create a world where every child grows up free from fear and harm.
Related Links
February 5, 2010
UNICEF flagship report: children in 28 countries face exceptional crises
In 28 countries, crises are exacerbated by larger trends—climate change, on-going conflict and the international financial downturn—and are beyond the capacity of any one agency to address. The 2010 Humanitarian Action Report emphasizes the power of partnerships to help children in crises situations.
February 1, 2010
Helping orphaned and separated children find their families in Haiti
UNICEF has carried out assessments at more than 60 orphanages to identify and register children who have been orphaned or separated from their families by the quake. UNICEF's experience shows while there are thousands of potential surrogate parents willing to adopt orphaned children such support is best provided as part of a program that seeks to reunite children with their families. UNICEF and its partners are thus making every effort to trace not only parents but other relatives too.
January 26, 2010
UNICEF working with local Haitian partners to protect children at risk
UNICEF continues reaching children with lifesaving support and protection in Haiti. Part of what makes UNICEF effective in this work—in the Haiti crisis and worldwide—is its collaboration with community-based organizations. A major part of UNICEF's efforts involves the establishment of child-friendly, safe spaces for children who are lost or separated from their families.
