Child Protection at the time of armed conflicts and natural disasters – Some key issues

Armed conflicts and disasters have the capacity to cause long-term suffering and long-term trauma. Events of the greatest significance with respect to children include death or physical injury to a family member, a loss of... [ view full abstract ]

Armed conflicts and disasters have the capacity to cause long-term suffering and long-term trauma. Events of the greatest significance with respect to children include death or physical injury to a family member, a loss of home or possessions, loss of school, relocation of home and/or school, parental disorganization or dysfunction and experiencing absolute destruction and an uncertain future. Direct risks for children include deaths and injuries, vulnerability to malnutrition and infectious diseases, acute and long term psychological trauma and all types of abuse, neglect and exploitation. Psychological trauma occurs in a child when an event is sudden, unusual and unexpected and disrupts the usual frame of reference with respect to family and environment. Such an event overwhelms the child’s perceived ability to cope and be in control. All these traumatic experiences have a sustained impact on children’s development. The way children see and understand their parents’ responses are very important. Children are aware of their parents’ worries most of the time, but they are particularly sensitive during a crisis. Seeing a parent, who represents security and protection, being victimized and helpless leaves children fearful with an acute feeling of insecurity. Given their vulnerable position generally and the fact that their principle carers may be missing or dead, children are at increased risk of harm, like trafficking, sexual abuse and commercial sexual exploitation. For this reason it is essential to ensure that measures are put in place both to protect children from further harm and abuse, and to ensure that the effect of the trauma itself and the further consequences of it are minimized. The presentation will discuss the child protection measures undertaken under the auspices of Pakistan Paediatric Association in north western part of the country during disasters and war on terror.