In light of the COVID-19 pandemic and the deteriorating socioeconomic situation, UNHCR adjusted its response to child protection needs, adopting mixed modalities of work and strengthening its coordination with key stakeholders within the national child protection system. UNHCR worked closely with the Union for the Protection of Juveniles in Lebanon (UPEL), relevant ministries, and national and international child protection agencies to respond to the needs of children at risk and children in contact with the law.
A significant number of child protection activities shifted to remote modalities as of March 2020, in response to the pandemic. In-person interventions were limited to responding to urgent child protection cases.
To respond to increasing risks of child labor, UNHCR continued to prioritize activities targeting Street and Working Children (SaWC), with the in-person modality maintained at community development centers (CDCs) and through outreach activities particularly for provision of services to SaWC.
Despite challenges in outreach and identification of children at risk through remote modalities, a total of 51 child protection cases received case management services throughout the year and 8 BIAs were conducted. ECA and PCAP continued to be prioritized as critical tools and integral components of case management for children at risk in order to mitigate further harm.
With COVID-19 prevention measures resulting in limited direct access to children at risk and their caregivers, two outreach volunteers played a pivotal in maintaining communication with communities, disseminating information, and supporting the identification and referral of children at risk.
Through remote modalities, 87 children and their caregivers (49 Iraqis, and 38 from other countries) attended online awareness sessions. Topics covered COVID-19 prevention and symptoms, personal hygiene, communication skills, self-care, and parental responsibilities. The awareness sessions were followed by delivery of hygiene kits to children at risk, with particular focus on SaWC considering the increased risk they face of COVID-19 infection.
PSS activities continued to be prioritized, including parenting skills training. Psychosocial support sessions were provided to 227 participants (203 Iraqis and 24 from other countries). Areas explored included children's rights, diversity, tolerance and inclusion. PSS activities also took the form of arts and handicrafts, sports, and storytelling. To support children and their caregivers in the development of skills to reinforce their sense of self-confidence, independence and productivity, informal skills training targeted 11 participants (6 Iraqis and 5 from other countries).
With limitations on in-person activities as a result of COVID-19 prevention measures, capacity development initiatives were constrained. One BID training was provided to 17 caseworkers involved in determining long-term durable solutions for children at risk, with special emphasis on unaccompanied and separated children (USC), and was delivered in line with the child protection national guidelines and UNHCR’s Best Interest Procedures. Twelve staff working at CBOs also received training on child protection principles, safe identification and referral of children at risk, and on delivery of psychosocial support activities and awareness sessions.