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Summary: World Visionās CP group kicked off a workshop with a balloon game to underscore what can happen to a child in the days after an emergency.
Ā World Visionās CP group kicked off a workshop with a balloon game to underscore what can happen to a child in the days after an emergency. āThe earthquakeās aftermath has created conditions ripe for human trafficking. Children separated from their families are especially vulnerable, and opportunities for traffickers increase in crisis situationsā, says a report from the Basic Education Coalition, of which World Vision is a member. In disasters, the combination of stress, chaos, and displacement leave some children in a vulnerable state. Identifying child abuse is not always easy, but there are ways to discern even in cultures that may be difficult to navigate. āChildren often have some wonderful ideas on how to protect themselves,ā said MacLeod, World Visionās CP Director. āIn order to help protect them we need to listen.ā In humanitarian emergencies, CP specialists monitor four key groups: children, their usual protectors, observers, and people who take advantage of the situation and violate children. This is the complex mix that needs to be managed in the aftermath of the Pakistan earthquake. The workshop, attended by CARE, Islamic Relief, UNHCR, Catholic Relief Services, National Rural Support Programme, and others, aimed to help CP practitioners define CP, understand the legal framework for children in emergencies, describe the key actors in CP, explain rapid assessments, and build inter-agency cooperation on this very important issue. Verenia Keet from Caritas Pakistan said after the workshop, āIām walking away with new knowledge. I will most certainly use most of what Iāve learned here today.ā World Visionās workshop facilitator Carol Toms said, āThe impact of this gathering will have a multiplying effect by influencing our peer agencies to make a difference in childrenās lives here in Pakistan.ā World Vision began rapid assessments for CP in Pakistan less than a week after the quake hit. The first World Vision Child Friendly Space (CFS) is set to be up and running in Bissian, near the completely decimated city of Balakot in the North West Frontier Province.World Vision will encourage mothers and girls to come to the CFS first. āWe must build trust with the community so everyone can see that we will deliver what weāve promised,ā said Carol Toms.