Re-conceiving war-affected children: from passive victims to active survivors

Is it time that education in emergencies occu­pied a more prominent place in humanitarian thinking? How can education help protect the physical and psychological wellbeing of children in war-affected or displaced communities? How can such children act to help protect themselves? What are the risks for kids and for agencies running education programmes in war-affected environments?

A paper from the International Save the Children Alliance argues for a reappraisal of the position of education in emergency programming. Exploring links between education and the wider protection needs of displaced children, the report suggests that as pro­tection in conflict is emerging as a legiti­mate humanitarian concern, so the role of education as a tool of protection must also be embraced.

Examples are produced to show how education can play an important role in enhancing the protection of conflict-affected children. In Guatemala, Kosova and elsewhere where state systems have collapsed or are inaccessible, communities themselves organise simple schools and educational activities for their children. It is the responsibility of humanitarian organisations to build on these efforts – not only so children can learn, but also to strengthen the protec­tion which communities, families and children them­selves can provide.

The report argues that:

• All children are at risk: child-focused humanitarian responses should not centre solely on such high profile victims of conflict as child soldiers, separated children, street children and child-headed households.
• Education is stabilising: re-establishing a normal routine and peer networks supports children’s psychological and social well-being.
• Education may facilitate the wider integration of children and negate stereotypes of race, gender or ability.
• Education may deter forcible recruitment of children as combatants as well as their participation in such other at-risk behaviours as early sex, drugs, crime and delinquency.

Education in emergencies has only hit the humanitarian agenda in the last decade –with much owed to Mozambique’s former first lady, Graça Machel. Evidence of its impact is often still anecdotal. Although its status as a humanitarian concern has gained legitimacy – spearheaded by the United Nations (UN) Children’s Fund UNICEF, the UN High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) and the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) – there are still those in relief agencies who think it a luxury, a task best left to development agencies.

The report recommends that:

• Child protection should never be considered ‘finished’: implementing agencies must avoid complacency and constantly evaluate programmes for risk while working to increase their inclusiveness.
• Child protection should be an integral part of all emergency education activities and a fundamental criterion in the approval of a programme by NGO staff, host governments and donors.
• Protection issues should be reflected in national education policies and response strategies – curricula which have perpetuated divisions and fueled conflict must be revised.
• Schools and educational facilities must be designated as ‘safe areas’ and protagonists warned that the Rome Statutes allow the International Criminal Court to prosecute as war criminals those who target schools and educational facilities.
• Child-friendly spaces (pioneered in camps for Kosovars in Albania and Macedonia) should be created for all displaced children: reconstruction must include clearing adequate play spaces devoid of dangerous objects for children.
• A code of conduct is required to ensure teachers do not abuse children and use corporal punishment.

 

Source(s):
‘The role of education in protecting children in conflict’, Humanitarian Practice Network, HPN Paper 42, Overseas Development Institute, by Susan Nicolai and Carl Triplehorn, March 2003 Full document.

Funded by: International Save the Children Alliance

id21 Research Highlight: 28 November 2003

Further Information:
Susan Nicolai
Save the Children UK
17 Grove Lane
London SE5 8RD
UK

Tel: +44 (0)20 7703 5400
Fax: +44 (0)20 7703 2278
Contact the contributor: s.nicolai@scfuk.org.uk

International Save the Children Alliance

Humanitarian Practice Network (HPN)
Overseas Development Institute
111 Westminster Bridge Road
London SE1 7JD
UK

Tel: +44 (0)20 7922 0331/74
Fax: +44 (0)20 7922 0399
Contact the contributor: hpn@odi.org.uk

Humanitarian Practice Network

Other related links:
'War-zones forever? Tackling violence in South Africa’s schools'

'In the line of fire - the mental health of Palestinian children'

Impact of Armed conflict on Children (UNICEF)

War Child