September 13, 2010 | KATHMANDU:
Save the Children launches a new report which for the first time in a single document provides an analysis of child protection systems in South Asia. The study “Stepping Up Child Protection: An assessment of Child Protection Systems from all countries in South Asia, including reflections from Central Asia”, brings to the forefront the latest data and information on the multitude of elements which comprise a child protection system from each country in South Asia.
A main finding is the significant advances in the countries in relation to laws, policies and services. This report is a tool to support governments, civil society and children to continue step up and take action for the protection of children and amendment and implementation of laws, policies and programmes.
There are huge challenges in providing child protection in South Asia as the region is highly populous, faces emergencies on a regular scale, and is struggling with widespread poverty and political instability. Across South Asia, abuse, neglect, exploitation and violence affects millions of children. Violence cuts across social, cultural, religious and ethnic lines. Sometimes violence is right in front of our eyes and sometimes it is hidden. Children suffer violence in a range of settings- at home, in schools, in the community, in their workplaces, institutions or during emergency situations.
A holistic and comprehensive response to violence requires a multi-sectoral and multi-disciplinary approach involving a wide range of actors including government, multilateral agencies, donors, civil society organizations, communities, caregivers, families and – very importantly – children themselves.
This report looks at the current situation of violence against children and finds that many of the forms of violence and their root causes are common throughout the region. It demonstrates for instance how harmful traditional practices play a role in the continuation of violence against children in almost all countries in the region. The report scrutinizes the existing child protection systems looking specifically at the legal framework, national child protection systems, community-based child protection systems, child protection in emergencies, children’s voices and participation and the extent to which society is supportive and aware of child protection issues.
The report calls Governments in the Region to take action through a series of important recommendations such as the need for governments to prioritize child protection and lead its implementation at national, district and community level. All partners should coordinate and cooperate for effective management of child protection and children’s participation has to be at the core of all initiatives. Child protection has to be a significant element in both humanitarian and development work and regional and global linkages must be reinforced. The regional cooperation has already come far with the “South Asian Initiative to End Violence Against Children” (SAIEVAC), a regional centre supporting the development of child protection systems.
Download the reportFor more information on the study please contact radhak@sca.savethechildren.se