A total of 954 children in Addis Ababa were identified at-risk as either unaccompanied, separated, survivors of sexual abuse and exploitation, or in conflict with the law. Other vulnerable children identified included those with disabilities. UNHCR supported the Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) child protection programme which covered case management for children-at-risk, access to child friendly spaces (CFS), alternative care arrangements for unaccompanied and separated children, establishment and strengthening of community-based child protection (CBCP) mechanisms. 100% (126) of reported child cases of abuse, violence and exploitation received age- and gender-sensitive services and best interest determination (BID).
935 refugee children (415 boys and 520 girls) accessed services provided at the JRS-managed Child Protection Centre (CPC) and Refugee Community Centres (RCC) and engaged in various structured and unstructured age-specific activities. A total of 192 home visits were conducted by 19 Refugee Outreach Volunteers (ROVs), prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. 117 unaccompanied and separated children (60 girls and 57 boys) were identified and placed in alternative care arrangements, and 221 refugee children benefited from protection assistance. 427 children (186 girls and 241 boys) received basic life skills training, engaged in sports training, art therapy, music, English and Amharic language and computer classes. In addition, they were provided with psychosocial support and monitored on regular basis. 10 child parliament sessions, 38 individual and 21 group counselling sessions were held during the reporting period. During the sessions, children discussed various topics including reproductive health, gender-based violence, and risks of onward movement. Four social media platforms were established to ensure accurate and child friendly messages on COVID-19 were disseminated among refugee communities and reached children. Community members including women’s associations and ROVs were trained on gender-based violence prevention and response, child protection and hygiene measures.