As a collaborative effort between MOSAL, the … · Web viewThe biggest source of fear for children is kidnapping and abduction (42%), family tension (21%), sexual violence (16%),

INTERAGENCY CHILD PROTECTION RAPID ASSESSMENT HAJJAH GOVERNORATE YEMEN

Interagency Child Protection Rapid Assessment Summary Report

Hajjah Governorate

Yemen

1 | C h i l d P r o t e c ti o n W o r k i n g G r o u p Y e m e n

والعمل وزارة الشئون االجتماعية


Table of Contents

Acronyms

CAAFG- Children Associated with Armed Forces or GroupsCFS- Child Friendly SpacesCPRA- Child Protection Rapid AssessmentCPWG- Child Protection Working GroupERW- Explosive Remnants of WarIDP- Internally Displaced Person/PeoplesKI- Key InformantKII- Key Informant InterviewMRE- Mine Risk EducationMRM- Monitoring and Reporting MechanismOCHA- United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian AffairsPSS- Psychosocial SupportSOP- Standard Operating ProcedureS/UAC- Separated/Unaccompanied ChildrenSV- Sexual ViolenceUNHCR- United Nations High Commission for RefugeesUXOs- Unexploded OrdinanceWASH- Water and Sanitation

Child Protection terms

A child associated with armed forces or groups

A child associated with armed forces or groups refers to any person below 18 years of age who is or has been recruited or used by an armed force or armed group in any capacity, including but not limited to boys and girls used as fighters, cooks, porters, messengers, spies or for sexual purposes. It does not refer to a child who is taking or has taken a direct part in hostilities.

Explosive Remnants of War (ERW) ERWs are explosive munitions which remain active and are present during or left behind following conflict, including artillery shells, grenades, mortars, rockets, air-dropped bombs, cluster munitions and ammunition. Under the international legal definition, ERW consist of unexploded ordnance (UXO - explosive munitions which have been used but failed to detonate) and abandoned explosive ordnance (AXO - weapons that were not used but abandoned and left behind following a conflict). While landmines are not included in the international legal definition of ERW, the use of ERW in this document includes landmines.

Psychosocial Support (PSS) This term refers to processes and actions that promote the holistic well-being of people in their social world. It includes support provided by family, friends as well as the wider community. Examples of family and community support during crises include efforts to reunite separated children and to organize education in an emergency setting.

Recruitment of Children into armed forces or groups

Recruitment refers to compulsory, forced and voluntary conscription or enlistment of children into any kind of armed force or armed group.

Separated Children

Those children who lost their parents or guardians, but are now being cared for by relatives.

Separated Unaccompanied Children



Children who are taken into homes by strangers, living in orphanages, on their own, including in the street, either alone with other minor children, with armed forces or groups etc

Sexual Violence

The Arabic definition used in this assessment is the English equivalent of rape. Usually in humanitarian settings the term Gender Based Violence (GBV) would be used, which encompasses a wider set of risks including: rape, sexual assault, physical assault, forced marriage, denial of resources, opportunities and services, forced marriage, psychological and emotional abuse, female genital cutting/mutilation.

Credits

As a collaborative effort between MOSAL, the CPWG and Unicef, we would like to thank Mr. Haitham Jobari, the Director of the MoSAL in Hajjah and Mr. Adel Dabwan the Director of Social Defence of MOSAL Yemen.

We would also like to extend our gratitude to Dr Mulhem Saif, Unicef Hajjah the coordinator of the assessment training, data collection, entry processes and analysis. We would like also to extend our appreciation to the Unicef Child Protection Office in Yemen, particularly Ghada Kachachi.

Our thanks go also to the global CPWG Rapid Response Team Hani Mansourian and Elaine Jepsen for helpful guidance.

Furthermore, sincere thanks are extended to all those worked hard to conduct this work during very difficult circumstances and also to the key informants in all targeted districts for their cooperation in conducting this study.

Executive Summary



The Child Protection Working Group for Yemen together with MOSAL conducted an interagency rapid assessment to better understand the impact of the conflict and the political transition on the protection of children in Hajjah District. The assessment was conducted in August 2012. The assessment is intended to provide a snapshot of urgent needs on child protection and some key recommendations for response.

Separated and Unaccompanied Children Separation of children was an ongoing issue with 5-10 year olds were most at risk of separation and boys

considered as a higher risk category. Respondents noted that unaccompanied children are those who often live by themselves or on the streets,

creating vulnerabilities for exploitation and abuse. Develop Interagency Standard Operating Procedures for responding to cases of separation and unaccompanied

children. Ensure Separated Unaccompanied children receive birth certificates.

Threats to Children’s Safety and Security

ERWs, and armed attacks were identified as the major violent risk to children’s safety. The second highest risk was reported as transport related incidents and unsafe places.

Risks were perceived to be higher for boys than girls, and high risk areas were unsafe places, on the way to the market, school and work, and around military compounds.

Children were reported to engage in acts of violence, including recruitment of children into armed forces and groups.

Continued and expanded MRE programming is recommended.

Sexual Violence Sexual Violence is a culturally sensitive issue in Yemen, however respondents in Abys, Haradh and Mustaba noted

an increase in sexual violence incidents during the conflict, with the risk highest for those under 14, while in the fields, on the way to school, at home and while collecting firewood.

Link with UNFPA for referral pathways, messages on sexual violence and the development of Standard Operating procedures for responding to Child Survivors of sexual violence.

Recruitment and Use of Armed Forces and Groups Most districts noted that children were working for armed forces and groups, with boys the most likely to be

associated. This was corroborated by direct observation. Continue and extend Monitoring and Reporting mechanism and establish release and reintegration programmes.

Community Support Mechanisms and Coping Strategies of Children

The main stress of caregivers is the lack of food and loss of livelihoods and education, they also holds fears for their children’s safety, kidnapping and abduction of children.

The biggest sources of fear for children were tension within the family, fear of attacks, kidnapping and abduction and separation from family.

It is recommended to learn more about the fear of abduction and kidnapping of children in order to urgently act and address the issue if needed.

Establish community based mechanisms, and continuance of Child Friendly Spaces, linking with schools with the objective of increasing enrolment.

Background and Situation

Since December 2011 there has been conflict in the Northern Governorates between the Al-Houthis and armed Salafist supporters particularly around the Ahim area of Hajjah governorate resulting in the displacement of approximately 1,600



families, in addition to approximately 100,000 already displaced within the district. Humanitarian access continued to be constrained in Hajjah governorate, due to the fighting.

The parties agreed to a truce on 11 June; after sporadic fighting another truce came into effect on 29 June. The ceasefire between the Al-Houthis and pro-Salafist local tribes in Ahim, Hajja ended by 15 July, since then fighting has been continuing until now.

Previous Child Protection assessment in the areas of Sa’ada, Hajjah, Al Jawf, Amran & Sana’a Governorates in May 2010, showed that one in three children reported feeling unsafe, sad or frustrated, suffered from diminished hope, fear, anger and hatred as well as experiencing difficulty sleeping. One in four experienced difficulties concentrating, and establishing trustful relationships. One in five children reported having nightmares and losing interests in carrying out everyday activities.

The civil unrest and armed conflict has further increased vulnerabilities among households leading to increased exposure of children to violence, abuse and exploitation. The current situation with the total breakdown of public services has left many households going through further economic hardship with increased level of poverty, where many families are using negative coping mechanisms which includes children being taken out of schools and engaged in child labour.

The Child Protection subcluster, Unicef and MOSAL engaged to collaborate on a joint Child Protection assessment with which to prioritise and frame response. Twenty six participants from different local and international organizations and governmental staff members of the child protection working group in Haradh participated in the assessment in seven targeted districts in Northern ofHajjah governorate.

Child Protection information received through operational agencies and IDPs suggested incidents of separated and unaccompanied children, gender based violence, threats to children’s safety and security, cases of abandonment and recruitment and use of children in armed forces and groups.

The subcluster decided that an assessment of the protection risks for children needed to be conducted to not only inform the emergency response but also to allow for a review of the protection risks being highlighted within response in Hajjah. An inter-agency child protection assessment was therefore designed to provide actors with a necessary common reference point for the response in terms of identified child protection risks and priorities. The information produced through this exercise could also inform longer term child protection systems strengthening work.

Introduction to the Rapid Assessment

UNICEF and MOSAL with representatives from the child protection organizations and actors members of the CPWG participated in the assessment in seven districts in Hajjah Governorate, during Ramadan, August 2012. The assessment was carried out as a group process including the planning, data collection, analysis and report and recommendations drafting. The process used Key Informant Interviews and Direct Observation. Given the ongoing conflict and the precarious security situation, the safety of staff was a high priority. Due to the constraints the manner in which the assessment was able to be conducted varied from place to place. The global Child Protection Rapid Assessment (CPRA) tool was used as the base for the exercise; the tools were adapted to the context and translated into Arabic.

The data collection was carried out between the 26 July and the 12th August, the data being revised and supervised by the team leaders and consolidated by the assessment coordinator. All the assessment forms were then sent to Sana’a where the data entry took place between 26th July and 12th August, with the data entry occurring in Sana’a between the 14th-26th August. The CPWG Coordinator met with all assessment teams to debrief and go through the interpretation of the results, with support from the global CPWG. The rapid response team member provided instrumental support in supervising the process while being deployed in Yemen to fill the capacity gap in the absence of Child Protection Sub-Cluster/Area of responsibility coordinator.



The core objectives of the assessment were to:

Gather a quick idea of the children protection risks and issues that were exacerbated by the conflict and political uprising.

To develop a baseline data set for use in evidence based response prioritisation. For use as an advocacy tool for child protection issues in Hajjah To understand trends between the seven districts. To identify areas where there are emergency programmatic gaps To develop an emergency response plan for identified geographical areas for identified issues and provide

recommendations for strengthening child protection services.

Methodology

The Child Protection Rapid Assessment, a tool developed by the global CPWG, was adapted to the Yemeni context and used for this exercise. The CPRA is a qualitative assessment that uses purposive sampling to assess several child protection risk areas and the coping mechanisms used by children. The assessment tool used in Yemen includes a desk review, key informant interviews and direct observations. Since the tool had already been used in Yemen in conducting rapid assessments in the southern governorates of the country, lessons learned and challenges were known and incorporated and taken into consideration in this assessment which made it successful and finalized in shorter period of time. A. Sampling and Geographic Scope

Coordination to select the sites for assessment was carried out at two levels, through the CPWG in Haradh, and through a separate coordination meeting with MOSAL.The number and the locations of the sites were determined areas understood to have high needs. While the information was collected at the site level, this report reviews the findings per district. See Table #1 for the breakdown of sites and KIIs per region.

District Number of sites surveyed

Number of rural sites Type of site

Number of Men KIs

Number of Women KIs

Kushar 6 3Conflict area, no known IDPs

214 Men 4 Women

Washhahah 5 6Conflict area, 1 IDP site 178 Men 7 Women

Khyran ALmuharaq 6 3Semi-conflict area with a lot of scattered camps

131 Men 22 Women

Mustaba 5 3Semi-conflict area with two small scattered camps

224 Men 26 Women

Haradh 3 12 IDP sites

30 Men 76 Women



Abys 3 21 IDP site

83 Men 18 Women

Hayran 1 11 IDP site

56 Men 42 Women

TOTAL29 19 11 IDP sites 916 men 195 women

B. Assessment Teams

Assessors were drawn primarily from organisations working in Child Protection in Hajjah and MOSAL within the CPWG members.

District Number of Assessors

Males Females

Kushar 6 6 0Washha 6 6 0

Khyran ALmuharaq 3 2 1Mustaba 3 2 1Haradh 2 1 1

Abys 2 0 2Hayran 2 1 1TOTAL 24 18 6

C. Instruments Tool adaptationThe first round of tool adaptions to the Southern Yemen emergency context was done by Unicef and MOSAL. The questionnaire was translated into Arabic. Lessons learnt from the Southern assessment were taken into consideration, including improving some of the question phraseology.

Key Informant InterviewsThe assessment teams selected the key informants using a list of criteria defined in the CPRA guide. A key informant was any adult who could provide information or opinion about child protection issues, as specified in the adapted tools. Key informants were identified on the basis of whether the team was confident they could provide a representation of the views or situation of children within selected sites. Another criterion was whether the key informant’s personal experience was representative of the community.

Direct ObservationThe CPRA used direct observation to triangulate the findings from the key informant interviews. Team members followed the direct observation form to conduct both structured and unstructured observation. This was particularly helpful to cross check the recruitment information provided by Key Informants due to its sensitivity and as a result reluctance to report about.

D. Training of the assessment teams:

Assessors were all experienced psychosocial counselors, child protection workers and human rights monitors, and were well versed in the issues addressed by the assessment, training was provided on child protection in emergencies and the rapid assessment tool prior to data collection.Where possible, all assessment teams were made up of both male and female assessors and were divided into four teams to conduct the assessment. At most sites, briefings were held with community members about the purpose of the assessment.

E. Data collection



The data was obtained from 1111 key informants and direct observations conducted in 29 sites. The teams arrived to preselected sites and first gained permission from the community leaders before conducting key informant interviews and direct observations. The key informants were selected by either a recommendation from a community leader or by purposively finding desired key informants such as teachers, social workers, health workers and other informants that might have information about the state of children in the community.

F. Data processingThe data collected from the field was reviewed and checked by the assessment coordinator in Sana’a. The technical advisor entered the data into a Microsoft Excel tool that is a part of the CPRA toolkit, adapted for the Yemen context. The outputs of the Excel file are the graphs included in this report.

G. Analysis and interpretation

The process of analysis and interpretation of the data collected involved multiple levels. The first level of analysis and interpretation was carried out by the assessment teams during the process of conduction the interviews. The second level of analysis was conducted by the assessment coordinator and recommendations finalised with MOSAL and the CPWG.

Limitations and Challenges:

1. Access & Security Due to the on-going conflict, access and time was limited throughout Kushar, Washahah and

particularly in areas that have been controlled by Al Houthis. Where the assessment was conducted in Al Houthis areas (particularly Khyran Amuharaq and Mustaba) special precautions were taken for the security of staff. The highly insecure areas were a critical challenge in addition to sensitivity of some child protection issues which in some cases led the assessors to make the decision to remove questions on sexual violence and recruitment and use of children in armed conflict in order to protect themselves and the key informants.

In Al Houthis areas the majority of assessment teams did not include female respondents because they felt their acceptability to report and security would be a higher risk.

2. Cultural & Gender Dynamics:• Because of the context, sometimes it was difficult to find female members of the community in roles of

influence or that could be considered key informants to represent the views of the community. This affected the original plan of gender balance through targeting females similar to men.

3. Data Collection & Logistical Constraints: In several sites there were no confidential places to do the interview and sometimes they do conducted

interviews in the presence of influential persons, as individual interviews is not considered culturally appropriate which may have affected KI responses.



Key findings and recommendations

Separated & Unaccompanied Children

Causes of separation and/or unaccompaniment can include: losing parents/children during relocation, caregivers willingly sending children to extended family/friends, caregivers willingly sending their children to institutional care, caregivers willingly sending children to work outside the community, caregivers willingly sending children to find food, disappearance of children, disappearance of caregivers.

All Districts reported the existence of unaccompanied children as an ongoing issue, with most being unaccompanied due to limited household income.

There were a range of reasons for separated and/or unaccompanied children, in three districts the reason was search for food (Abys, Khayran Al-Muharaq, Washahah), in Haradh and Hayran it was caregiver disappearance and Kushar institutional care.

Most districts thought that boys were more at risk of separation and unaccompaniment than girls (Abys, Haradh, Hayran, Kushar) in Khayran Al-Muharaq and Washahah there was no clear difference.

Respondents in Abys, Haradh and Hayran as being higher for 5-10 year olds, over 14s in Kushar and no difference in Washahah.

All Governorates reported that separated and/or unaccompanied children were most likely to live on their own or on the streets, with a number of districts also noting community care mechanisms relatively highly.

Abys

In cases of separated and/or unaccompanied children respondents noted that they were sent to find food (50%), due to caregiver disappearance (38%) and during relocation (13%). Half of respondents noted that the situation was ongoing with 67% saying that the risk was higher for boys, and for children between the ages of 5-10 (78%). Children who were separated and/or unaccompanied were most likely to be living on the street (45%), or on their own (41%) or in community foster care mechanisms (9%). The majority of respondents (90%) noted that there were no cases of disappearance by outsiders.

Haradh

The majority of respondents noted that there were ongoing cases of separated and/or unaccompanied children (67%), most were due to caregiver disappearance (40%), sending children to extended family and friends (20%), sending children to find food (20%), sending children to work outside the community (10%) and disappearance (10%). The likelihood of separation and/or unaccompaniment was reported to be higher for boys than girls (100%) and for 5-10 year olds (100%). Separated and/or unaccompanied children were most likely to live on their own (43%), live on the street (43%) or in community foster care arrangements (14%).

Hayran

The majority of respondents noted that there were ongoing cases of separation and/or unaccompaniment (67%), the main causes were reported as disappearance of children (33%), caregiver disappearance (33%), and sending children to work outside of the community (33%). The risk was higher for boys (100%), and 5-10 year olds (67%). Most separated and/or unaccompanimed children lived on their own (50%) or on the street (50%).

Khayran Al-Muharaq

In cases of separated and/or unaccompanied children it was reported that children were sent to find food (100%), there was no clear difference reported in risks to boys or girls (50%) or ages (83%). Separated and/or unaccompanied children were most likely to live on the street (53) or on their own (47%).



Kushar

Key Informants reported that there were cases of separated and/or unaccompanied children (83%), the reasons for separation were reported as sending children to institutional care (33%), work outside the community (33%), disappearance of children (17%). It was more likely that separation and/or unaccompaniment occurred for boys (100%), and for children older than 14 (65%). A small number of respondents noted that a list of parents with separated children existed (6%), and that separated and/or unaccompanied children were most likely to live on their own (50%), live on the street (50%).

Mustaba

Mustaba had no reports of recent separation, though if it were to occur most KIs thought that children would live on their own (50%) or on the street (50%).

Washahah

Separation and/or unaccompaniment was reported by respondents (89%), the majority were sent to get food (88%), due to disappearance of children (6%), and disappearance of parents (6%). It was reported that there was no clear difference between boys and girls or age groups (82%). Most children lived on their own (57%), on the street )36%) or in community care mechanisms (7%). There were reports of infants separated (6%) and the emergence of new institutions (6%).

FCC: foster care...

CHH: live on the...

CLS: live on the s...

GIN: Government...

IIN: informal in...

- -0%10%20%30%40%50%

Q2 What are the reported interim care categories for separated and un-accompanied children?

Percentage

Figure 1: Reported Care categories for separated unaccompanied children in Haradh District

Threats to Children’s Safety and Security

Threats encompass two categories, non violent situational risks and violent risks.

Violent situational risks include: explosive remnants of war and/or unexploded ordinances (ERW/UXOs), Civil violence (religious or tribal), political violence, sexual violence, domestic violence, armed forces and groups violence and criminal acts (gang activities, looting)



Non violent situational/environmental risks include: unsafe objects (razor wire, electric cables), unsafe places (riverside, open pits), work related accidents and car/vehicle accidents.

ERWs were identified as the major threat to children’s safety in four of the seven Districts, Haradh, , Kushar Mustaba and Washahah . In Hayran and Khayran Al-Muharaq transport and unsafe places were the highest.

Armed attacks were identified as the second highest risk threat in Kushar, Mustaba, and Washahah. The greatest environment risks to children came from unsafe places, on the way to market (Mustaba) on the way

to school (Haradh, Khayran Al-Muharaq, Hayran), on the way to work (Washahah) and around military compounds (Kushar). On the way to market and school were noted as risky, and as the highest risk by Lahj and Shabwa.

The risks were perceived to be higher for boys in most districts, Haradh, Hayran, Kushar and Washahah. In Mustaba and Khayran Al-Muharaq there was no reported difference. Several districts noted there was no difference in risk between age groups, Mustaba, Khayran Al-Muharaq, in Haradh and Washahah children under 14 were of higher risk, in Kushar and Hayran it was children over 14.

There was incidents of children engaging in violent acts, it was reported to be recruitment into armed forces and groups (Haradh, Khayran Al-Muharaq) and second highest in Kushar and Washahah.

AbysThe majority of respondents noted that acts of violence occur a few times a week (89%). The highest environmental risks occur on the way to the market (30%), at the market (22%), on the way to school (19%), on the way to work (15%) and at school (11%). Risks came from transportation (45%), unsafe objects (23%), unsafe places (18%) and work related accidents (14%). Violent risks are higher for boys than girls (100%) and those under 14 (100%), with risks highlighted from domestic violence (36%), sexual violence (27%), civil violence (23%), armed forces and groups (5%), ERWs (5%), and criminals (5%). Deaths were known to be between 1-10 individuals with injuries and deaths most likely on the way to market (41%), at the playground (18%), on the way to school (14%), around military compounds (14%), on the way to work (9%) and at the market (5%). If children engaged in acts of violence it was most likely to be sexual violence (42%), gang violence and looting (25%), recruiting other children into armed forces (17%), attacks on school and community infrastructure (8%) and attacks on other civilians (8%).

HaradhIncidents of violence against children were reported as occurring several times a week (33%). Environmental risks were highest on the way to school and market (33% respectively), at market (17%), in school (11%) and in the camp (6%). The risks came from unsafe places and transportation (35%) and unsafe objects (29%).

Violent risks came from predominately from ERW and domestic violence (33%), and civil and sexual violence (17%). The locations of highest risk for violence were reported as on the way to school (28%), around military compounds and at the playground (22%), at the market and on the way to the market (11%) and in school (6%), The risks of violence were higher for boys (100%) and for children under 14 (100%). If children were to commit acts of violence it would be expected to be sexual violence and recruitment of other children into armed forces (43% respectively) and gang violence and looting (14%).

HayranIt was reported that violent incidents against children were likely to occur several times a week. Environmental risks included those from transport (43%), unsafe places (43%) and unsafe objects (14%). Risks were highest on the way to school and market (33% respectively), on the way to work, at work and at the market (11% respectively). Most violent risks were reported to come from civil and domestic violence (43% respectively) and sexual violence (14%), with Key Informants reporting knowledge of between 11-50 deaths. Death and injury was most likely to occur at the playground (33%), on the way to school, around the camp and on the way to the market (22% respectively). Risks were highest for boys (100%) and for children over 14 (100%). If children were to engage in violence it would be expected to be gang violence and looting (67%) and sexual violence (33%).



Khayran Al-MuharaqEnvironmental risks to children come from transport (39%), unsafe places (44%) and work locations (17%), with most environmental incidents occurring on the way to school (33%), on the way to the market (29%), on the way to work (21%), at work (8%), in camp (4%) and at the market (4%). Regarding violent risks to children most risks were believed to come from ERW (59%), domestic violence (29%), civil violence and armed forces and groups (6% respectively). KIs were aware of between 1-10 deaths from violent risks, with injuries and deaths most likely to occur on the way to the market (29%), around military compounds (25%), at the playground (21%), on the way to work (17%) on the way to school and in camps (4% respectively). There was no reported difference in risk between girls and boys or age groups. If children were to engage in violence it would be expected to be civil violence or recruitment of other children into armed forces and groups (50% respectively).

KusharEnvironmental risks to children were considered highest on the way to school and on the way to the market (31%), at the market (26%), on the way to work (9%) and in camps (2%). The risks came from unsafe places and transport (44% respectively), work related accidents (10%) and unsafe objects (2%). Violent risks to children were reported to have occurred to between 1-10 children with the highest threat coming from ERW (34%), armed forces and groups (34%), criminal acts (13%), and political and domestic violence (9% respectively), locations of injuries and deaths were highest around military compounds and on the way to the market (30%), on the way to school (20%), at the market (15%), on the way to work (4%) ad at the playground (2%). Risks were reported to be higher for boys (100%) and children over 14 (100%). Children were reported to be engaging in violence (67%), including civil violence (67%), recruitment of other children into armed forces and groups (15%), gang violence and looting (11%) and attacks on civilians (7%).

MustabaEnvironmental risks to children were highest on the way to the market (40%), on the way to school (30%), on the way to work (20%) and at the market (10%). Risks were considered highest in unsafe places and on transport (44% respectively) and due to work related accidents (11%). Violent risks were reported to result in an estimated 1-10 deaths, with the highest risk coming from ERW (67%), armed forces and groups and criminal acts (17% respectively). The highest risks were found to be on the way to the market (60%) and around military compounds (40%). There were no reported differences in risk between boys and girls or between age groups.

Washahah

Environmental risks to children were reported to be highest on the way to school (37%), on the way to work (35%) and on the way to the market (29%) with risks highest from unsafe places (43%), work related accidents and transport (25% respectively) and unsafe objects (8%). Violent risks were reported to have caused 1-10 deaths, with the highest risks coming from ERW (40%), domestic violence (20%), armed forces and groups (16%), political violence (13%) and civil violence (11%). Deaths and injuries were mostly likely to occur on the way to work (29%), on the way to the market (25%), on the way to school (24%), in school (10%), at work, the market and around military compounds (4% respectively). Boys were considered to be at higher risk than girls (78%) and those under 14 (80%). All respondents noted that children commit acts of violence (100%), the acts would generally be acts of civil violence (40%), recruitment of children into armed forces and groups (33%), attacks on civilians (14%) gang activities and looting (12%) and attacks on schools and community infrastructure (2%).



at playground

in school

on the way to...

in camp (outs...

at work

on the way to...

around milit...

at the market

on the way to...

Response not ...

-

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

Q4.2 Where are the places where violent risks are reported to be high for children?

Percentage

Figure 2: Reported places where violent risks are reported to be highest in Haradh District

Sexual Violence

The Arabic translation of sexual violence being used within this assessment is the equivalent of the English definition of rape.

Sexual violence is an incredibly sensitive issue in Yemen, despite this reality respondents in Abys, Haradh and Mustaba noted an increase in sexual violence incidents during the conflict.

A range of responses for highest risk locations were received, while in the fields (Haradh), on the way to school (Mustaba), at home (Abys), and while collecting firewood (Khayran Al-Muharaq)

All respondent districts thought that children under 14 were at higher risk of sexual violence, including Abys, Haradh, Khayran Al-Muharaq and Mustaba.

Respondents in most districts thought that children would turn to parents or family members for support if they were survivors of sexual violence. However Haradh KIs thought that children would not request support.

It is more common for communities to report that boys are at higher risk of sexual violence, analysis with surveyors and the CPWG suggest that this is a reflection of the deep sensitivity of sexual violence violation against girls and that to under report incidents against girls is a community coping mechanism reflective of the culture.

Abys



Respondents noted that there had been an increase in sexual violence incidents (70%), boys were more at risk than girls (80%) and most were under 14 (70%). Incidents were most likely to occur at home and when collecting firewood (21% respectively), at school, the workplace, while collecting water, while in the fields, (11% respectively), and during populations movements and while playing around the camp or village (5%). Half of respondents though that children would seek help, most from fathers (50%), mothers (44%) and friends (6%). Services for GBV survivors were known by 10% of KIs, with 44% saying they did not know of any services for children.

Haradh

Respondents noted that there had been an increase in sexual violence incidents (67%), boys are more at risk than girls (100%) and children under 14 (100%). Risks were highest when working in the fields (38%), when collecting water and firewood (19% respectively), playing around the village and camp (13%), while at home and at school (6% respectively). Most KIs thought that children would not seek help (83%) and some were aware of services (17%).

Hayran

Respondents noted that there had been no increase in sexual violence (67%), though if it does occur boys are more at risk (100%) and children under 14 (67%). If an incident occurred children would turn to their mothers (100%), and no KIs were aware if any services (100%).

Khayran Al-Muharaq

Most KIs noted that there had been no increase in sexual violence(88%), though if incidents were to occur it would be while collecting firewood (100%), girls are more at risk than boys (100%) and those under 14 (100%). Children would turn to fathers for support (100%) and all KIs were aware of services including those for children (10%).

Kushar

All KIs reported that sexual violence does not occur (100%) and that they were aware of services for survivors of sexual violence (100%)

Mustaba

Half of respondents noted that there had been an increase in sexual violence incidents, locations where incidents are most likely to occur are on the way to school, playing at the camp/village, during population movements, upon arrival at the camp/village (25% respectively). More girls were targeted than boys (75%), those under 14 were at higher risk (75%). Half of respondents thought that children would seek help, and all thought they would turn to fathers. No KIs were aware of any services available for survivors of sexual violence.

Washahah

Most KIs reported that sexual violence does not happen in Washahah (94%), though if it did 100% of survivors would seek help, turning to their mothers (50%) and fathers (50%).

0%10%20%30%40% Q11.1.1: In what situations does sexual violence most commonly occur?

Percentage

Figure 3: Situations where sexual violence is most likely to occur, Mustaba District



Children Associated with Armed Forces and Groups

Most districts reported that children were working for armed forces and groups (Abys, Haradh, Khayran Al-Muharaq, Kushar and Washahah).

Children were observed in military carrying weapons and working at checkpoints. Children were observed by assessors to be on active military duty, including the carrying of weapons, cleaning,

fetching water and food and cooking. An increase in recruitment into armed forces and groups was noted by respondents in Haradh, Khayran Al-

Muharaq and Washahah. Almost all respondents thought that it was mostly boys engaged with armed forces. The most likely locations for recruitment were reported to be service points (Abys), in camps (Khayran Al-

Muharaq), on the road side (Haradh and Washahah).

Abys

Most respondents noted that there was no increase in children in armed forces (67%), though most reported to having observed children working with armed forces and groups. KIs noted that if children did work with armed forces it would be mostly boys (67%) or only boys (33%). The most likely point for recruitment would be at service points (100%). If parents were approached for children to work with armed forces or groups 50% would say no, 25% yes if the child was old enough and 25% would allow the child to choose. Half of parents thought it was their duty to decide if children should fight in

armed forces or groups.

Haradh

Half of respondents noted an increase in children working for armed forces and groups, and all had observed between 1-10 children working for armed forces and groups. Respondents noted that it was only boys (60%) and mostly boys (40%). Recruitment was most likely to occur on the roadside (40%) or at schools (20%). If parents were approached for children to work in armed forces or groups 50% would say no, yes if the child was old enough, allow the child to choose, yes if the salary was high enough (17% respectively). Most KIs (83%) noted that it was not the parents duty to decide if children to fight.

Hayran

Children were not reported as working for armed forces and groups.

Khayran Al-Muharaq

The majority of KIs noted that there had been an increase in children working for armed forces or groups (60%), all respondents noted that it was boys and they had observed children working for armed forces or groups. Recruitment was reported to be occurring in camps (33%). If parents were approached KIs thought they would always say no (43%), say yes if the salary was high enough (43%), allow the child to choose (14%) and say yes (14%). Half thought it was a parents duty to allow a child to fight and 38% thought it was not.

Kushar

The majority of respondents said that children were being used by armed forces and groups (94%), KIs had observed between 11-50 children working for armed forces and groups in the area, with 92% saying it was only boys and 7% saying it was mostly boys. If approached by armed forces or groups 50% of parents said they would say no, 39% yes if the child was old enough and 11% yes as there was no option to say no. The majority of KIs thought that it was not the parents duty to allow children to fight in armed forces and groups.

Mustaba

Children were not reported as working for armed forces and groups in Mustaba.



Washahah

The majority of respondents said that children were working with armed forces and groups and that there had been an increase during the conflict (84% respectively), 61% said they had observed between 11-50 children working with armed forces and groups. Recruitment was reported to occurring on the side of the road (28%), in camps (24%), at schools (24%) and at service points (4%). If approached most KIs said that parents would say no (83%), yes if the child was old enough (11%), yes if the salary was enough (6%). Most parents (72%) thought it was their duty to allow children to flight with armed forces and groups.

Yes No Response not clear0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

Q10.2: Has there been an increase in the number of children working or being used by the militia?

Percentage

Figure 4: Reported increase in recruitment of children into armed forces and groups, Abys, District

Community Support Mechanisms and Coping Strategies of Children

Psychosocial stresses on children could include: forced recruitment or use by armed forces and groups, attacks, kidnapping/abductions/trafficking, not being able to go to school, not being able to return home, losing their belongings, being separated from their families, being separated from their friends, tension within the families, nightmare or bad memories, sexual violence.

The main worries of parents for their children could include: forces recruitment or use by armed forces and groups, getting hurt during attacks, kidnapping/abductions/trafficking, lack of education, lack of shelter, lack of food, lack of water, sexual violence, psychological stress.

Across the five of the seven districts the main source of stress for caregivers is lack of food and livelihoods, and loss of education (Hayran), kidnapping and abduction of children (Kushar).

The biggest source of fear for children in the six districts is tension within the family (Hayran, Haradh), fear of attacks (Khayran Al-Muharaq, Kushar) kidnapping and abduction (Abys), separation from family (Mustaba, Washahah).

Parents were identified as the major support to children with coping mechanisms including talking with friends and family (Abys, Haradh, Hayran, Khayran Al-Muharaq, Mustaba ), migrating (Kushar) and helping parents (Washahah).

Abys

The biggest source of fear for children is kidnapping and abduction (42%), family tension (21%), sexual violence (16%), forced recruitment (11%), attacks and losing belongings 5% respectively. Caregivers were worried for children about the lack of food (35%), loss of Education (30%), kidnappings and abductions (20%) and sexual violence (15%). The main



source of stress for caregivers regarding the community was lack of livelihoods (50%), lack of food (35%), lack of shelter (6%) and children’s safety (6%). If children were stressed 100% of respondents said they would turn to their parents, and listed coping mechanisms included engaging in sports activities (30%), talking with family and friends, helping parents, working for food or money, migrating, engaging in violence and getting married (10% respectively).

Haradh

The biggest source of fear for children is tension within the family (50%), nightmares (33%), losing belongings and attacks (8% respectively). Caregivers were worried for children by the lack of food (50%), loss of Education (33%), sexual violence and kidnapping (8% respectively). The main worries for caregivers regarding the community were lack of food and livelihoods (50% respectively). If children were stressed all KIs thought that parents were the main source for support. Coping strategies used by children include talking with friends and family (67%), working for food or money or staying on the streets (17% respectively).

Hayran

The biggest reported fear of children is tensión within the family (50%), separation from family members (20%), loss of belongings and nightmares (17% respectively). The main stress for caregivers regarding children was lack of food (50%) and loss of Education (50%). Parents were most worried about lack of food and livelihoods (50% respectively). The main support available for children is their parents and the most used coping mechanism is talking to family and friends.

Khayran Al-Muharaq

The main source of fear for children is attacks and family separation (38% respectively), not being able to return home (19%) and kidnapping (6%). The main source of stress for caregivers regarding children is lack of food (44%), loss of Education (38%) and getting hurt in attacks (19%). Caregivers were most worried about lack of food (50%), loss of livelihoods (44%) and loss of shelter (6%). The main source of support in the community is parents as noted by all respondents and children use the coping mechanisms of talking to family and friends (88%) and helping parents (13%).

Kushar

The main source of fear for children is attacks (50%), kidnapping and abduction (28%) and family separation (22%). The main source of stress for parents regarding children is kidnapping and abduction (50%), lack of food (30%) and loss of Education (20%). The main source of stress for caregivers is loss of livelihoods (47%), lack of food (42%), children’s safety (11%). The main source of support for children is parents as noted by all respondents, and coping mechanisms include migrating (39%), talking to friends and family and helping parents (22% respectively), time with friends and working for armed forces and groups for food or money (6% respectively).

Mustaba

The main source of fear for children is separation from family (57%), attacks (25%), not being able to return home and nightmares and bad memories (13% respectively). Caregivers were worried about children having a lack of food (50%), getting hurt during attacks, loss of Education, kidnapping and abduction (17% respectively). The mains sources of stress for caregivers is the loss of livelihoods and lack of food (50% respectively). The main support for communities is parents and the main coping strategy employed is talking to friends and family.

Washahah



The main source of fear for children is separation from family (50%), attacks (38%), not being able to go to school (6%) and recruitment and losing belongings (3% respectively). The main stress for parents regarding their children is lack of food and loss of Education (50% respectively). The main worries of parents are lack of food (46%), loss of livelihoods (29%) and children’s safety 26%). The main source of support for children is their parents and coping mechanisms include helping parents (94%) and working for food or money (6%).

REC: forced

re-cruit-ment or use

by armed forces

or groups

ATK: attacks

TRF: kid-nap-ping/

abduc-tions/

traffick-ing

NSC: not be-

ing able to go back

to school

NHM: not be-

ing able to return home

LTB: losing their

belong-ings

SFF: be-ing

seper-ated from their

friends

SFM: being sepa-rated from their

families

TWF: tension within

the family

NTM: night-mares or bad mem-ories

SVL: sexual

vio-lence

- -0%

10%20%30%40%50%60%

Q6.1: What makes children scared or stressed since the emergency?

Percent...

Figure 5: Situations where sexual violence is most likely to occur, Washahah District

Recommendations for Child Protection Priorities

Assessments in emergency

The conduct of this assessment has shown the possibility of conducting quickly such kind of information gathering using standard tool in relevant quick time. Investment of MOSAL with capacity building in this area is critical to ensure having a



standby team across Yemen trained and well qualified to conduct similar assessments covering data collection, data entry analysis and report writing.

Separated and Unaccompanied Children

Immediate Recommendations

Disseminate key messages on the impact of separation on children in Child Friendly Spaces programming, through community mechanisms and radio, as previously successfully done.

Develop interagency Standard Operating Procedures for responding to cases of separation and unaccompanied children.

Ensure a provision of immediate care support is made for identified separated/unaccompanied children that have lost their parents due to death or disappearance and are without appropriate parental care or care from extended family or tribe.

Ensure children receive Birth Registration certificates, ensuring their registration.

Long Term Recommendations

Expand the support services with partners to include the ongoing issue of unaccompanied children living on the street and on their own.

Explore and raise awareness of alternative care arrangements, particularly traditional care mechanisms that have been disrupted during the emergency.

Mine Risk Education


Continue implementation of the MRE programme with focus on Haradh, Kushar, Mustaba and Washahah. Mapping of Mine Risk Education geographical coverage and assess behaviour change through conduct of

Knowledge, Attitude and Practice (KAP) survey.

Gender Based Violence


Work with UNFPA for following: the finalisation of the Gender Based Violence (GBV) referral pathway; disseminate messages on Gender Based Violence risks; train Child Protection Working Group members in child survivor sensitive response actions; develop Standard Operating Procedures for organisations who may refer or work with child survivors.


Work with UNFPA and other organizations to set a trustworthy complaint mechanism knows for the community to complaint and referral of all child protection cases, including GBV.

As part of the Unicef legislative review, analyse the legal and policy frameworks for child sensitive response for survivors of Gender Based Violence.

Children Associated with Armed Forces and Groups


Continue advocacy on the end of use and recruitment of children with parties to the conflict and develop an action plan to release and reintegration of those associated by armed forces and groups based on recommendations of the annual reports of the Secretary General on Children and armed Conflict in 2011 and 2012.

Continue monitoring and reporting of grave violations against children and ensure partners links in areas of particularly high prevalence.




Establish release/demobilization programmes and family tracing and reunification in Yemen for children associated with armed forces and groups following commitment obtained in the action plan.

Develop release and economic reintegration programmes for children formerly associated with armed forces. Develop a communication for development strategy and implement for changing social norms towards use and

recruitment off children, with a focus on communities that have high prevalence of recruitment of children to obtain collective commitment of abandonment of the practise.

Psychosocial Support for Children


Continuation of Psychosocial Support in areas of emergency through Child Friendly Spaces. Disseminate community level messages on how parents and children can cope with stress. Geographically strategic establishment of mobile Child Friendly Spaces in new areas of emergency with heavily

affected population. Develop interagency Child Protection Working Group Standard Operating Procedures for Psychosocial support for

children.


Integrate Child Friendly Spaces and violence prevention/psychosocial programmes into schools. Promote reaching communities and parents to target children who have dropped out of school for Child Friendly Spaces attendance.

Community Mobilisation for Community Support Mechanisms


Set a trustworthy complaint mechanism through community, MOSAL and partners for reporting on violations and for referral to services.

Map youth groups and clubs and encourage children to engage in Child Friendly Spaces activities in leadership roles, including for girls

Link community mechanisms to birth registration programmes.


Encourage and Support existing community support by expanding community mobilisation programmes and youth programmes that ensure targeting of boys, but also girls with some culturally appropriate interventions given the conservative society of Yemen.

Advocate with the Education Cluster for the inclusion of safe movement to school activities, such as community walking buses.

Recommendations for Child Protection in a Multi-Sector Response

Protection Cluster


Link with Protection Cluster for information sharing of concerns that arise from Protection Monitoring, including issues specific to children and infringements such as safe freedom of movement.

Multisectorial Response Finalise the Child Protection, GBV and Protection referral pathway, and share in intercluster fora for

dissemination and use. Raise awareness with the Education cluster for the risks associated with movement to school, and advocate

for mitigation strategies, such as walking buses.



Link with the nutrition cluster to raise awareness on the serious negative impact of early marriage on children, among other protection, health and development consequences on girls themselves. Further work with the Education cluster to identify and advocate for vacating schools attacked or occupied by armed forces or groups, identify and follow up children outside of school and refer those children to Child Friendly Spaces and establish joint interventions in schools.


As a collaborative effort between MOSAL, the … · Web viewThe biggest source of fear for children is kidnapping and abduction (42%), family tension (21%), sexual violence (16%),

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