The following articles illustrates how government policy and law has yet again failed to ensure the safety and well-being of children. Children continue to face sexual abuse, gendered based violence and health crises, among other disastrous circumstances. Advocacy by civil society and humanitarian aid is essential in order to support one of the more vulnerable populations of society.
This Article contributed by longtime KARA volunteer Eshanee Singh:
Paraguay – Indigenous girl’s murder fires public outrage at child sexual abuse.
The Guardian.
After the sexual abuse and murder of a 12-year-old Indigenous girl, public support has risen in advocating for change in policy and law regarding the protection of children. The numerous child abuse cases and child pregnancy cases as result of abuse has resulted in protest against the violence children face in Paraguay. One idea the article states is the reform of the education to include a comprehensive sexual education for both students and parents.
Philippines – In Philippines, a child alleges abuse by Catholic priest – and tests Vatican promise for global reckoning.
The Washington Post.
A lack of accountability and prosecution of child abuse cases against religious officials has led to many cases of child abuse to go unheeded. In the Philippines, however, one Catholic priest faces trial for the abuse of a 5-year-old girl. This article not only discusses the relationship between government and church, but also accounts the story of the 5-year-old victim.
Kenya – Kenya calls for help in fight against rising sexual abuse by foreigners.
The Guardian.
After the arrest of a US missionary and a German national for the sexual abuse of a child and trafficking, among other charges, child protection organizations in Kenya are advocating for more protections for children. The head of the Kenyan anti-human trafficking and child protection unit states that the high levels of poverty make some children particularly vulnerable to grooming. This article further points to the increase risk of abuse children face online during the pandemic, including live-streaming abuse.
Iran – Child protection law positive, but insufficient.
Human Rights Watch.
A new law passed by the Iranian parliament creates new penalties for harming a child and also allows authorities to relocate a child where the child’s safety is in danger. The Human Rights Watch states that the law fails to address some important issues, including child marriage, the use of the death penalty for both adults and children, and female genital mutilation. The article states that the new law was expedited through parliament after the beheading of a 14-year-old girl at the hands of her father.
https://www.hrw.org/news/2020/06/23/iran-child-protection-law-positive-insufficient#
World – We need to do better: Policy brief for enhancing laws and regulations to protect children in disasters.
Relief Web.
This abstract state that the international investment in child protection in inadequate given the level of increasing protection children need. The executive summary states that that domestic context will help determine the best route to ensure child protection is ensured. Gendered responses are encouraged as it will help address gender specific issues and needs. The summary also points to various groups that have the ability to support governments in gathering information and research from communicates.
Australia – Australia’s coronavirus outbreak raises alarm over online child sex abuse.
National Post.
This article highlights the increased risk of exploitation children face online in the wake of the global pandemic. It further highlights the increased number of child exploitation cases in Australia since 2019.
Yemen – Yemeni children face deadly hunger and aid shortages as COVID-19 pandemic spreads. UNICEF.
Starvation, malnutrition, and preventable diseases are threatening the health and well-bring of Yemeni children. This article highlights the various health crises Yemeni children face as a result of the global pandemic. It further warns that hundreds of millions of dollars in aid is needed from humanitarian aid in order to prevent the collapse of health services and aid programs in Yemen.
Philippines – Lasting harm to children from ‘drug war.’
Human Rights Watch.
An independent inquiry into the government’s war on drug is requested after hundreds of citizens, along with their children, are killed during the government’s ‘war on drugs.’ The article points to other lasting physical and psychological effects on children, including bullying in school, being forced into labour, and economic uncertainty. It is further noted that that the government has not established any form of aid or relief in support of children who have been victim of the violence used during drug raids.
https://www.hrw.org/news/2020/05/27/philippines-lasting-harm-children-drug-war
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Continue reading KARA’S deep dive into international child abuse and child protection in the Read More below…
A Differences Approach
United States: Youth are frequently processed through the formal criminal justice system, with a notable tendency to prosecute and incarcerate minors, including in adult facilities. America is the only nation in the world to not ratify the United Nation’s RIGHTS OF THE CHILD TREATY of the 1980’s. Public access to records is widespread, and juvenile courts tend to emphasize individual accountability over rehabilitation or welfare. There are fewer child rights, protections, and less integration with social services (Columbia Justice Lab PDF; NIH PMC; Sentencing Project).
England & Europe: Children and youth are treated with a welfare or development focus. Police officers receive specialized training for child interactions and prioritize diversion from formal charges wherever possible. Youth courts use closed proceedings, lay magistrates, and restorative justice to keep cases confidential and focused on rehabilitation rather than punishment. European countries keep juvenile records private, divert youth from custody, and employ multi-agency teams in the youth justice response (Dera PDF; Penal Reform International; ICCLR PDF).
