Main challenges in the field of child protection involve the arrival of unaccompanied and separated children (UASC), obstacles to education and other rights, and the identification and response to children at risk, including children susceptible to negative coping mechanisms. The situation of youth at risk of recruitment by criminal gangs and involvement in illegal activities is compounded by the lack of educational, recreational and livelihoods opportunities, particularly in border areas.
In order to address these challenges, UNHCR main focus is to: 1) strengthen the capacity to assess and analyse protection risk faced by children; 2) support community-based child protection structures; 3) improve best interest determination procedures; and 4) support capacity development.
The reinforcement of community-based child protection structures will require UNHCR to:
- Identify and support community outreach volunteers to work within communities raising awareness on child protection, supporting children enrolment at schools and identifying/referring individual protection cases.
- Work with partners and local governments to expand community-based child protection activities, establishment of community support groups and identification/support to children at risk through a community based approach.
- Support the implementation of children participation structures within communities.
- As to the improvement of Best Interest Determination, UNHCR will continue supporting the capacity building of partners and frontline services providers on BID, and the improvement of case management coordination mechanisms. Capacity development of state authorities and partners will be supported, particularly through:
- Technical support provided to the implementation of the inter-ministerial procedure for the protection of children in human mobility together with UNICEF and MIES.
- Capacity building of partners on the implementation of the SOP for the case management of child protection cases.
- The implementation of prevention and response services for adolescents that include the implementation of support youth groups/committees working on participation, inclusion and protection.
- Advocacy towards the inclusion of improved protection standards and the regularization of alternative care measures in the discussion/amendment of child protection legislation.
Moreover, in 2020, the Office will increase the number of participatory assessments with children in order to better understand their risks, and to promote a more active participation in planning and response. Efforts are already underway to improve the identification of UASC at entry points and across the country.