Conflict Sensitivity/ "Do No Harm" in Child Protection

Introduction The provision of relief or development assistance in form of education, health or emergency services is often characterized by explicit messages of the need to help or empower people. However, in the process of... [ view full abstract ]

Introduction
The provision of relief or development assistance in form of education, health or emergency services is often characterized by explicit messages of the need to help or empower people. However, in the process of planning or implementation certain things could be done in ways that cause harm, bring tensions and conflicts or feelings of marginalization. In some situations, selection of children for sponsorship has meant that some children are left out, therefore causing divisions.
Gerald is a Conflict Sensitivity Trainer as well as a child protection specialist with an MA in Child Development-Family Studies.
Objectives

1. Encourage participants to consider how their interventions may have negative and positive impacts on conflict;
2. To create awareness on the need to systematically analyse the relationships between assistance and conflict;
3. To provide ideas on how to take into consideration ‘do no harm’ principles into child protection contexts.
Presentation: Workshop
Methodology: Short lectures, PowerPoint presentation, case scenarios, role play, buzz groups, questions and answer, show publications on do no harm.
Results
Participants will be expected to be more aware of how their assistance programming could contribute to inter group harmony or conflict. They will be able to reflect and be deliberate on the way their activities are carried out so as not to cause harm to children or their communities.
Conclusions
This presentation will provide introductory principles of conflict sensitivity. These could be applicable in schools and especially where youth are being radicalized to join terror groups or in organizations providing aid or development in fragile and post conflict areas. Organizations implementing peace building education to children and youth will find this useful. In general ‘do no harm’ principles could be applicable in day to day child care services in any context.