Supporting Children during Conflict and Displacement

The below are some examples of common risks and child protection issues. This is not a complete list:

• Being separated from family members: When children are separated from family members during displacement, when they are left alone at home, in the company of strangers or in unsafe areas, they are at high risk of being tricked, hurt and/or sexually assaulted.
• Working instead of going to school: During difficult times, when families struggle financially, children may find themselves forced to work. This stops them from learning and puts them at risk of harm. Children may for example get hit by cars if they work on the streets, may get hurt by sharp tools and heavy machinery or when lifting heavy loads, or may get sick due to harsh conditions of work (exposure to heat or toxic substances, poor hygiene, long working hours without adequate rest, etc.). Employers or customers may physically assault or exploit children.
• Getting married at a young age: Girls in particular may be forced to marry early to reduce families’ expenses during difficult times. This can harm their health, especially if they become pregnant at a young age, and can limit their future opportunities. Girls who marry early may be more likely to experience violence and can find themselves isolated from friends and family. Child marriage often means leaving school, making it harder to learn new skills or find work later.
• Being neglected, hurt or treated unfairly: Children may sometimes be neglected, beaten, shouted at or treated unfairly. This can happen at home or in public spaces, for example at school. Such experiences can make children feel scared, worried or lonely, and they may not know where and how to seek help.
• Danger from landmines and explosive hazards: Children may not be able to identify landmines and explosive hazards, which can seriously injure them and cause the loss of body parts.
• Missing out on school or medical care: During conflict and displacement, children often cannot go to school, see a doctor when they are sick or seek emotional support. These services may not be available in the area where children are staying, may be too expensive or may not be safe to reach.
• Lacking a birth certificate: Families can struggle to obtain birth certificates for children during conflict and displacement. A birth certificate is an important document and for example needed to enroll a child in primary school, to apply for the child’s citizenship scrutiny card and to receive benefits from government agencies.

Children affected by conflict and displacement may show signs of emotional distress. These signs can vary from child to child. The following are just examples of children’s behaviors to look out for:

• Difficulty sleeping
• Trouble focusing on tasks
• Struggling to keep up with schoolwork or losing interest in learning
• Headaches or stomach pain without a clear medical cause
• Crying often
• Becoming angry easily
• Showing intense fear
• Behaving younger than the child’s actual age (thumb-sucking, clinginess, etc.)
• Wanting to stay close to parents or caregivers

For parents and caregivers:

• Stay together: Children are safest with their families. Stay together during movement and agree on a meeting point with your children in case of separation. Please visit the Risks during Movements by Sea or Land page for more tips to consider before and during movement by sea or land.
• Leave children with someone you trust: If you cannot stay with your children, make sure they are with someone you know well and trust.
• Help children know their family: Teach older children their name and your name along with your address and phone number. Give young children a small card with this information. Should children get separated, this information can help locate and reunite them with you.

• Talk to children about safety: Some people may try to trick children with offers of gifts or help. Teaching children to be careful of known threats and to stay with trusted adults can help keep them safe.

For children:

• Stay with trusted people: Always stay close to people you know well. Do not walk alone, especially at night. Let someone know where you are going and when you will be back.
• Be careful with strangers: Do not believe promises from people you do not know. They might try to trick and hurt you.
• If you get lost: Look for adults or children who you know and trust. Tell them you are looking for your family and need help.
• Talk to someone you trust: It is okay to feel sad, scared or confused. Talk to someone you trust, like a parent, teacher or friend.