Child Protection
 |
|
© UNICEF Egypt/Hazou/2007 |
|
UNICEF supports drop-in centres and shelters for children in Cairo to empower them to pursue a productive life off the streets. |
Egypt has made significant progress in child rights since endorsing the Convention on the Rights of the Child in 1990, but many children remain subject to exploitation and violence, while female genital mutilation rates remain very high.
Projects:-
Violence Against Children
UNICEF advocates for the complete abandonment of Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting (FGM/C) and other forms of violence against children through a combination of social mobilization and advocacy, especially in rural communities in Upper Egypt where FGM/C rates are highest.
The project targets community members and social pressure groups and supports increased action by local government and community groups to reduce violence against children in schools. The aim is to reduce FGM/C rates from 77 to 70 percent among adolescent girls aged 15 -17 and decrease violence in schools.
Child Protection Mechanisms for Children at Risk
Children living in the squatter areas of the cities are more likely to be exposed to abuse, violence and exploitation. School drop-out rates of 18.7 percent were measured in one squatter area, while 22 percent were classified as working children and 71 percent were exposed to physical or verbal violence.
As a protective measure, the Children at Risk Protection Mechanism (CPM) was introduced to identify, assess and provide services for children at risk and thus help local authorities tailor necessary interventions. By 2011, the programme will target 22,000 children at risk, 20,000 parents and 800 government and other professional staff in addition to institutionalizing the mechanism for national adoption. The CPM has been included in the amended child law.
Reintegration of Children Living on the Street
It is estimated that tens of thousands of children roam the cities’ streets with little protection and no shelter. Poverty, family breakdown and low quality schooling contribute to this. UNICEF supports drop-in centres and shelters for children in Cairo (including the only shelter for young street mothers) to empower them to pursue a productive life off the streets. Over 2,000 children were reached with services in the streets, reception centres and shelters during 2007.
UNICEF is helping NGOs in greater Cairo, Alexandria and Tanta to reach more street children and mobilize community and governmental resources to help children return to their families through improved rehabilitation systems. The project aims to reach 15,000 children by 2011 and build the capacity of 12 NGOs and governmental child care institutions.
