The niche of Nonviolent Peaceforce in protecting children lies with its application of Unarmed Civilian Protection (UCP) and its unique feature of direct physical protection. NP combines this with more commonly known child protection efforts such as family tracing and reunification, monitoring, facilitating access to legal aid. 

Direct physical protection: We use our physical presence strategically by positioning themselves in insecure locations for extended periods of time to protect children and their families as well as local child protection actors. Most external child protection organisations primarily focus on the needs of children, rarely on the security of local groups that act as first responders to child rights violations. Direct protection work is particularly relevant in places where traditional child protection systems are inexistent or dysfunctional or where authorities are part of the problem.

Preventive and multi-dimensional approach: As a humanitarian and peacebuilding actor operating in crisis and post-conflict situations, we integrate our child protection efforts into a broader strategy to protect communities. Our focus on violence prevention complements the efforts of humanitarian or development driven child protection actors that focus on health or education.

Increasing children’s ownership (autonomy and agency): We support children and their communities to reflect on their own protection roles. Recognising that youth mobilisation has witnessed an important growth over the past decade, we take an interest in the protection of Children Human Rights Defenders (CHRDs).

Engaging armed actors: The involvement of non-state armed actors has been a particular challenge to the field of child protection. We address this challenge through proactive and sustained engagement with armed actors.

For further information, please view our latest publication covering the Core Competency of Child Protection at NP.