A Strategy for Child Protection Building a protective environment for children

The Protective Environment for Children The protective environment framework changes the way in which we approach child protection issues. It shifts UNICEF’s programming in the six thematic areas away from small, ad hoc programmes to changing the ethos of society.

What is the Protective Environment Framework? The environment includes family, community, society and the state. A protective environment is one in which all elements individually and collectively work to secure children from violence, abuse and neglect, exploitation and discrimination. Each element influences the environment -- and exists in a network/chain of responsibilities.

Elements of the Protective Environment The eight key elements of the protective environment include: Attitudes, customs, behaviour and practices Governmental attitude Open discussion of child protection (including in media and civil society) Legislation and its enforcement Capacity (e.g. health workers) Children’s life-skills, knowledge and participation Monitoring Services for victims of abuse

Child Protection Priority Areas Six thematic areas of child protection: Children deprived of their primary caregiver (orphans, children in institutions, etc.) Forced and bonded child labour Trafficking of children Sexual exploitation of children Protection of children unlawfully recruited by armed groups and forces Physical violence against children in schools, homes, prisons, orphanages, etc.

UNICEF’s Role in the Protective Environment Framework A sound analysis of the existing gaps within the protective environment will determine the nature of UNICEF’s interventions within the six thematic areas. Communicating the protective environment will influence UNICEF programming and fundraising. While the media and others tend to point to direct interventions to “rescue” children from exploitation, UNICEF’s communication component must always reinforce the protective environment framework.