Adapting child protection programming from development to emergency contexts: What have we learnt from the Ebola crisis in Sierra Leone and the earthquake emergency in Nepal?

Objectives Our DFID-funded Child Protection (CP) programming started in Sierra Leone and Nepal in 2011/12. It focussed on strengthening systems for CP, enhancing strategies for fighting harmful traditional practices, and... [ view full abstract ]

Objectives
Our DFID-funded Child Protection (CP) programming started in Sierra Leone and Nepal in 2011/12. It focussed on strengthening systems for CP, enhancing strategies for fighting harmful traditional practices, and increasing the resilience of children to violence, abuse, neglect and exploitation. During the Ebola outbreak in Sierra Leone and the 2015 earthquake in Nepal, programming adapted to address CP in these emergencies. This paper highlights the enablers of adaptive programming for CP, its importance, and the way forward.

Methodology
Information was collected from a desk review of project reports, the development of case studies, field observations, and practical knowledge accumulated by field staff. Further information is expected to come out of the qualitative data collected for the evaluations of these projects.

Results
Using the systems strengthening approach for CP and working through partnerships have been identified as 2 enablers of adaptive programming in both emergency contexts. Repurposing community-based CP committees and child rights clubs - set-up and strengthened before the emergencies - to address CP issues arising from Ebola and the earthquake, enabled a swift response and meant children were better protected, able to cope with traumas and able to help peers stay protected.

Conclusion
The most interesting part of adaptive programming for CP will be in terms of the learning that it’s allowed and how this will inform the way forward. Sierra Leone now fights against the rise of sexual gender-based violence and teenage pregnancy brought on by Ebola. At the same time, Nepal fights against the rise in child marriage and trafficking that’s been brought on by the earthquake. Our recommendations will highlight the importance of prioritising CP across the board: strengthening it within development, adapting it during emergencies, and embedding it throughout - in resilience and national action plans.