PROTECT THE VULNERABLE: Experts Sound Alarm on Protest-Related Trauma

A recent three-day engagement on addressing the trauma and harm faced by women and children in protest environments has ended with a call to action for stakeholders to implement measures to protect these vulnerable groups. 

The event, hosted by the Enhancing Communities Action for Peace and Better Health Initiative (e-CAPH), brought together experts, government officials, security personnel, child protection specialists, and civil society leaders to address the challenges faced by women, children, and the disability community in protests.

The engagement highlighted the critical gaps and urgent needs for protecting and supporting these vulnerable groups. Key findings from the engagement include:

- The psychological impact of repeated exposure to violence, which can lead to long-term psychological harm for both women and children.

- Exploitation risks, as children are often used for personal or political gain, exacerbating their vulnerability.

- Lack of training and awareness among Child Protection Specialists (CPS) and law enforcement on handling protest situations involving children.

- Inadequate support services to address the needs of women and children affected by protests.

- Ignorance among parents and local communities, hindered by high illiteracy rates, which prevents them from understanding the risks associated with involving children in protests.

To address these challenges, the engagement recommended the following action points:

- Enhancing training programs for child protection specialists, law enforcement, and social workers to better address the needs of children and women affected by protests.

- Developing support services, including safe spaces, counseling services, and medical assistance, specifically for victims of protest-related violence.

- Strengthening legal frameworks to ensure strict enforcement of existing laws prohibiting the use of children in violent protests and implementing robust punishment for violators.

- Raising awareness through state-wide awareness campaigns about the risks of involving children in protests and the available support services.

- Designating safe zones for people with disabilities during protests, away from potential harm.

Stakeholders, including government agencies, law enforcement, security organizations, civil society, media, youth groups, and religious and traditional institutions, are urged to collaborate effectively in implementing these measures to mitigate the risks associated with protests and ensure the protection and support of women, children, and the disability community.

Frontline News scoops on the communique issued at the end of the 3-day engagement:

COMMUNIQUÉ

Issued at the Conclusion of a Three-Day Engagement on Addressing the Trauma and Harm Faced by Women and Children in Protest Environments

Date: August 7, 2024

Issued by: Enhancing Communities Action for Peace and Better Health Initiative (e-CAPH)

Subject: Addressing the Trauma and Harm Faced by Women and Children in Protests

Background:

The Enhancing Communities Action for Peace and Better Health Initiative (e-CAPH) hosted a three-day webinar titled "The Unseen Victims: Addressing the Trauma and Harm Faced by Women and Children in the Protest Environment." The event brought together experts, government officials, security personnel, child protection specialists, and civil society leaders to address the significant challenges faced by women, children, and the disability community involved in protests.

Key Findings:

1. Psychological Impact: Repeated exposure to violence and trauma during protests can lead to long-term psychological harm for both women and children.

2. Exploitation Risks: Children are often used for personal or political gain, exacerbating their vulnerability.

3. Lack of Training and Awareness: There is insufficient training for Child Protection Specialists (CPS) and law enforcement on handling protest situations involving children.

4. Inadequate Support Services: Current support services are insufficient to address the needs of women and children affected by protests.

5. Ignorance among Parents and Local Communities: The high illiteracy rate among parents and local communities hinders their understanding of the risks associated with involving children in protests.

Recommendations and Action Points:

[The recommendations and action points remain the same as in the original document]

Conclusion:

The safety and well-being of women, children, and the disability community in protest and other violent environments are of paramount importance. The recommendations outlined in this communiqué aim to address immediate and long-term needs for protection and support. We call upon all relevant stakeholders to collaborate effectively in implementing these measures. By working together, we can mitigate the risks associated with protests and ensure that women and children are protected and supported during these critical times.

Contact Information:

For further information or to discuss the implementation of these recommendations, please contact:

caph4dev35@gmail.com

(link unavailable)

+2348031594276

Signed,

Yusha'u Muhammad Abubakar

Executive Director, Enhancing Communities Action for Peace and Better Health Initiative (e-CAPH)