Introduction

This document constitutes a general framework for all members of the Arab Child Rights Network “MANARA”, with the aim of establishing a common approach among the Network’s member organizations to ensure child protection within their institutions.

In line with the objectives of the Arab Child Rights Network “MANARA”, which seek to promote and protect child rights and raise awareness of these rights through all relevant international and national references and mechanisms; to monitor, follow up on, and observe the extent to which the rights of Palestinian children are implemented and international conventions signed and ratified are enforced; to cooperate and coordinate with relevant official institutions in shaping policies and legislation in a manner consistent with child rights; to develop and strengthen the capacities of organizations working in the field of child rights and coordinate their work; and to activate their role in care, advocacy, and protection.

In accordance with Article 19 and Article 39 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, which provide that States Parties shall take all appropriate measures to promote the physical and psychological recovery and social reintegration of a child victim of any form of neglect, exploitation, abuse, torture, or any other form of cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment, or armed conflict. Such recovery and reintegration shall take place in an environment that fosters the child’s health, self-respect, and dignity.

Furthermore:

The State shall take all necessary legislative, administrative, social, educational, and preventive measures to ensure the realization of this right.
The exploitation of children in begging is prohibited. It is also prohibited to employ children in conditions that violate the law or to assign them work that may hinder their education or harm their safety, physical health, or psychological well-being.

In light of the above, this policy has been developed to serve as the overarching framework governing the work of all institutions within the Palestinian Child Rights Network in the field of child protection.

For the purposes of this document, a “child” is defined as any person under the age of eighteen, in accordance with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.

Child Protection

Child protection is a comprehensive term that describes the philosophies, policies, standards, guidelines, and procedures aimed at protecting children from intentional and unintentional harm. In this context, the term applies specifically to the duty of public and private institutions, as well as individuals affiliated with these institutions.

Direct Contact with Children

Direct contact with children refers to being physically present with one or more children within the framework of the organization’s work, whether such contact is incidental or regular, short-term or long-term.

Indirect Contact with Children

Indirect contact with children includes:

Having access to information about children within the framework of the organization’s work, such as children’s names, locations, photographs, and case studies.
Providing funding to organizations that work directly with children. This affects children, even if indirectly, and therefore places responsibility on the donor organization regarding child protection matters.

Background

All institutions that work directly or indirectly with children have a moral and legal responsibility to protect children in their care from intentional and unintentional harm. This responsibility is known as the duty of care.

We cannot ignore broader child protection issues faced by institutions in local and national communities, including domestic violence, abuse by police, commercial sexual exploitation, and other forms of harm. It is the duty of every organization to make its best efforts to protect the children with whom it comes into contact, whether the harm occurs inside or outside the organization.

Section 2: Definition of Child Protection and Types of Abuse

Definition of Child Protection

Child Protection

Child protection is a comprehensive term that encompasses the philosophies, policies, standards, guidelines, and procedures designed to protect children from both intentional and unintentional harm. In this context, the term applies specifically to the responsibility of organizations—and individuals affiliated with those organizations—toward the children under their care and toward one another.

Child Protection Within an Organization

The term “child protection” is used by many organizations to describe activities and programmes implemented within local communities or the broader social environment. This can sometimes lead to confusion when discussing organizational responsibilities and child protection issues related to institutional management.

Organizations cannot ignore the broader child protection concerns that exist in the communities where they operate, including domestic violence, abuse by law enforcement authorities, commercial sexual exploitation, and other forms of violence. Every organization has a responsibility to make every reasonable effort to protect children with whom it comes into contact, regardless of whether the harm occurs within or outside the organization.

However, the scope of this policy focuses specifically on child protection within institutions. It addresses issues related to recruitment, management, staff and child conduct, and the safety of physical facilities and organizational environments.

It should be emphasized that organizations and their personnel remain responsible toward children with whom they work who may experience abuse outside the organization’s scope of work, even though this policy focuses on child protection within organizations. Accordingly, organizational programmes and activities should also address broader child protection concerns affecting children outside the institution whenever relevant.

Types of Violence and Abuse Experienced by Children

1. Self-Harm

Self-harm refers to situations in which an individual intentionally causes injury or harm to themselves. This may include suicidal thoughts, suicide attempts, or completed suicide.

2. Peer Abuse

Peer abuse includes harmful acts committed by one child against another, such as:

Bullying and intimidation (physical and/or psychological)
Physical abuse
Sexual abuse

3. Abuse by Adults

Abuse committed by adults may include:

Domestic violence (physical, psychological, or sexual)
Corporal punishment in schools and organizations
Sexual abuse
Sexual exploitation

4. Societal Abuse

Societal abuse refers to social, political, economic, or cultural environments that actively encourage or implicitly tolerate violence against children. Examples include:

Political campaigns that encourage the exclusion or removal of street children.
Beliefs presented under a “religious” framework that justify violence.
Cultural norms that regard corporal punishment as an acceptable educational practice.
Harmful traditional practices such as female genital mutilation (FGM) and scarification rituals.
The widespread normalization of violence through media.
Cultural attitudes that tolerate violence against women in the home.
Beliefs that portray women and children as the property of men or parents rather than as individuals entitled to equal human rights.

Some cases of abuse and violence against children may be perpetrated by individuals within an organization, including:

Teachers
Social workers
Caregivers in residential institutions
Peers
Foster carers
Volunteers

Other forms of abuse occur outside organizations and may be perpetrated by:

Parents
Police officers
Teachers
Shop owners
Gangs
Members of the local community or wider society

This policy focuses specifically on intentional and unintentional harm that occurs within the organization.

What is a Child Protection Policy?

A Child Protection Policy is:

“A statement of intent demonstrating an organization’s commitment to safeguarding children from harm and outlining the requirements for child protection. Such a statement contributes to creating a safe and positive environment for children and demonstrates that the organization takes its duty of care and responsibilities seriously.”

A Child Protection Policy provides a framework of principles, standards, and guidelines upon which both individual and institutional practices are based in the following areas:

Establishing child-safe and child-friendly organizations.
Preventing abuse and maltreatment.
Recruitment and training of staff and volunteers.
Strengthening management systems.
Providing guidance on appropriate and inappropriate conduct and attitudes.
Establishing guidance regarding communication with children.
Identifying, reporting, and responding to allegations or concerns of child abuse.

A Child Protection Policy does not address sexual abuse alone; rather, it encompasses all aspects of child protection, including, but not limited to:

Disciplinary measures
Health and safety procedures
Physical harm prevention
Handling information related to children
Safe recruitment and administrative procedures
Consequences of misconduct

Relationship Between Protection and a Rights-Based Approach

Child protection is an integral component of a rights-based approach and is closely linked to the realization of children’s civil, political, social, health, and educational rights. Protecting children from violence, abuse, neglect, and exploitation is essential to ensuring their full enjoyment of all other rights guaranteed under international human rights and child rights frameworks.

Chapter One: Objectives of the Child Protection Policy

Overall Objective of the MANARA Child Protection Policy

The overall purpose of the Child Protection Policy of the Arab Child Rights Network “MANARA” is to establish a comprehensive framework that ensures the protection of children from all forms of abuse, neglect, exploitation, and violence within member organizations, while promoting a culture of child rights, participation, accountability, and safeguarding.

Objectives of the Child Protection Policy (Within the Network)

The Child Protection Policy aims to:

Raise children’s awareness of their rights and their active role in protecting themselves from abuse.
Raise parents’ awareness of their children’s rights and their responsibility to protect them from abuse.
Increase the awareness of staff members in all MANARA Network organizations regarding mechanisms for protecting children who have experienced abuse.
Protect children targeted through the activities and programmes of MANARA member organizations from the risk of abuse both within and outside those organizations.
Ensure children’s participation in child protection procedures and safeguarding measures implemented within MANARA member organizations.
Ensure the reporting of child abuse cases to the competent authorities.
Ensure that abused children receive appropriate treatment, support services, and protective interventions within the relevant institutions.
Ensure oversight, monitoring, and continuous improvement of preventive and remedial child protection measures implemented within MANARA member organizations.
Foster a management culture that supports and promotes child rights.

Chapter Two: Concepts and Terminology Related to Child Abuse

Physical Abuse

Physical abuse refers to acts committed by a person responsible for a child’s care that result in actual physical harm or create a substantial risk of physical harm.

Examples include:

Hitting with the hand or with objects such as sticks or other instruments.
Pulling hair.
Exposing a child to dangerous situations that may cause physical injury, such as extreme cold or hunger.
Administering medication or sedatives unlawfully.
Forcing children to perform excessively strenuous work.

Psychological and Emotional Abuse

Psychological abuse occurs when a caregiver fails to provide a supportive and nurturing environment appropriate for the child’s development, or engages in actions that adversely affect the child’s emotional well-being and development.

Such actions include:

Restricting a child’s freedom of movement.
Threats and intimidation.
Other forms of non-physical hostile treatment.

Psychological or emotional abuse may be defined as a pattern of behavior that undermines a child’s emotional development, mental health, and sense of self-worth.

It may include:

Verbal insults.
Discouragement and constant criticism.
Excessive pampering that negatively affects development.
Persistent neglect.

Psychological and emotional abuse goes beyond verbal aggression and constitutes a serious attack on a child’s emotional and social development. It poses a significant threat to a person’s mental health and well-being.

Verbal abuse is considered a form of psychological and emotional abuse. It may cause children to internalize negative labels and perceptions imposed on them, limiting their confidence, potential, and sense of self-worth.

Examples include repeatedly calling a child names such as:

“Stupid”
“You are a mistake”
“You are a burden”

or any other degrading labels that negatively affect a child’s self-esteem and confidence.

Sexual Abuse

Sexual abuse refers to any sexual act, attempted sexual act, unwanted sexual comments or advances, or acts committed for purposes of exploitation or trafficking that target a child’s sexual integrity through coercion or manipulation, regardless of the relationship between the perpetrator and the child and regardless of the setting.

This includes, but is not limited to, incidents occurring at home, school, or in any other environment.

Child sexual abuse includes any act in which an adult uses a child to satisfy their own sexual desires or needs.

Child sexual abuse may involve any conduct imposed on a child from birth until the age of eighteen by another individual.

In many jurisdictions, legal definitions of sexual abuse may consider the age difference between the victim and the perpetrator. Some legal systems require a minimum age difference of five years or more when the perpetrator is not known to the child.

Most cases of child sexual abuse are perpetrated by individuals known to and trusted by the child, including:

Adoptive parents.
Adoptive siblings.
Uncles and aunts.
Foster carers.
Any person holding authority or responsibility for the child’s care and protection.

Sexual abuse may include behaviors such as:

Touching or fondling a child’s genital organs for sexual gratification.
Exposing children to pornographic materials directly or indirectly.
Displaying sexual organs to a child.
Any behavior intended to satisfy the perpetrator’s sexual desires or to assert power, dominance, or control over the child.

Neglect

Neglect refers to the failure of a parent, guardian, or caregiver to provide for a child’s developmental needs despite having the means and ability to do so.

This may occur in one or more of the following areas:

Health care.
Emotional development.
Safe living conditions.

Neglect may also be defined as a pattern of inadequate care characterized by the failure to provide age-appropriate care and to meet a child’s basic needs, including:

Medical care.
Proper supervision and monitoring.
Other essential requirements necessary for the child’s physical, intellectual, and emotional development.

Child Trafficking

Child trafficking refers to the recruitment, transportation, transfer, harboring, or receipt of children for the purpose of exploitation, regardless of whether force, coercion, deception, or consent is involved. Exploitation may include forced labor, sexual exploitation, slavery-like practices, illegal adoption, forced begging, or other forms of abuse.

Political Exploitation

Political exploitation refers to the use of children in political activities, campaigns, conflicts, demonstrations, propaganda, or any activities that expose them to harm, manipulation, or exploitation and undermine their best interests and rights.

Abuse of Power and Authority

Abuse of power and authority occurs when an individual uses their position, influence, authority, or control over a child to exploit, manipulate, intimidate, discriminate against, or otherwise harm the child.

Discrimination

Discrimination refers to any distinction, exclusion, restriction, or preference based on race, ethnicity, color, sex, language, religion, nationality, social origin, disability, health status, political opinion, or any other status that impairs or denies a child’s equal enjoyment of rights and opportunities.

Chapter Three: Principles and Pillars of the Child Protection Policy

The Child Protection Policy is founded on six key pillars:

Awareness
Prevention
Reporting
Response
Participation
Standards for the Recruitment and Selection of Personnel Working with Children

First: Awareness

Awareness refers to building a culture of child rights and child protection within each institution that is a member of the MANARA Child Rights Network. This is achieved through the establishment of a Child Protection Team within each institution. The team is responsible for raising awareness among staff, volunteers, and children participating in the institution’s programmes, activities, and projects regarding child rights, child abuse, associated risks, and both preventive and remedial protection measures at institutional and national levels.

Awareness Measures

The roles and responsibilities of the Child Protection Team within each institution shall be defined in a dedicated Child Protection Procedures Manual or Child Protection Regulations.
Every employee and volunteer within member organizations of the MANARA Child Rights Network shall sign the Code of Conduct attached to their employment or volunteer agreement as a mandatory child protection measure.
Child protection procedures shall be clearly communicated, publicly displayed, and posted in visible locations within each institution.
Members of the Child Protection Team and their responsibilities shall be clearly identified and communicated.
Children shall be actively and systematically involved in the Child Protection Team. The Child Protection Procedures Manual shall specify participation mechanisms and guarantee their implementation and monitoring through the MANARA Network Secretariat and the Network Child Protection Team.

Second: Prevention

Prevention refers to measures aimed at preventing the occurrence of any form of abuse against children within the institution, whether perpetrated by adults or children, employees or volunteers.

Prevention is primarily achieved through effective implementation of awareness-raising activities, which constitute the cornerstone of child protection efforts.

Prevention Measures

The Child Protection Team within each member organization shall be responsible for implementing preventive measures to protect children from abuse. The Child Protection Procedures Manual shall define the nature of these measures and establish mechanisms for monitoring, supervision, and continuous improvement through the MANARA Network Child Protection Team.
Staff and volunteers shall participate in awareness sessions, training courses, workshops, and meetings related to child protection concepts and safeguarding procedures.
Child protection standards shall form part of the recruitment and selection criteria for employees and volunteers.
Compliance with child protection standards shall be integrated into staff performance appraisal and volunteer evaluation systems.
The Child Protection Team within each institution shall establish a Child Rights Committee, provide training and support to its members, and ensure its representation within the Child Protection Team. The Child Protection Procedures Manual shall specify the responsibilities related to this process.
Preventive measures shall be continuously improved through monthly and annual reports submitted by institution directors and Child Protection Teams to the MANARA Network Child Protection Team. Recommendations shall be monitored and implemented under the supervision of the MANARA Network Secretariat.
Institutions shall ensure the availability of professional support and capacity-building opportunities related to preventive child protection practices.

Third: Reporting

Reporting refers to the formal notification of any incident or suspicion of child abuse occurring within a member institution of the MANARA Child Rights Network, regardless of the identity of the perpetrator, to the designated Child Protection Team.

Reporting Measures

The Child Protection Team shall establish procedures that ensure the reporting of all child abuse cases occurring within the institution.
Reporting channels shall be clearly defined, publicly communicated, and displayed prominently within the institution.
All children, staff members, and volunteers shall be informed of reporting procedures and mechanisms.
Reporting shall be mandatory, and confidentiality shall be maintained throughout the reporting process. The Child Protection Team shall establish procedures to guarantee confidentiality.
Individuals who report abuse shall receive appropriate support and protection, regardless of the identity of the alleged perpetrator.
The MANARA Network Child Protection Team shall oversee the implementation, effectiveness, and continuous development of reporting procedures within member institutions.

Fourth: Response

Response refers to the set of procedures and interventions aimed at addressing cases of child abuse and ensuring the provision of appropriate services in a professional manner, regardless of the nature, severity, or perpetrator of the abuse.

Response Measures

Response procedures shall be governed by a dedicated Child Protection Procedures Manual.
Responsibility for responding to cases shall rest with the Child Protection Team within each institution.
Absolute confidentiality shall be maintained throughout the response process.
Response measures shall be implemented without delay and in accordance with the best interests of the child, while ensuring the right of the alleged perpetrator to submit a written appeal within a maximum period of one week from the date of any decision issued against them.
Specific response procedures shall be established for situations in which the alleged perpetrator is a child. These procedures shall be detailed in the Child Protection Procedures Manual.
A response shall be based on documented evidence and supporting information indicating that abuse has occurred. Where necessary, psychosocial and legal assessment reports shall be prepared promptly and submitted to the Child Protection Team.
Member organizations shall comply with the referral mechanisms established by the Child Protection Network through coordination with the MANARA Child Protection Team.
Cases of abuse and corresponding response measures shall be documented in quarterly reports submitted by institutional Child Protection Teams to the Child Protection Committee of the MANARA Network Secretariat.
Response procedures shall be regularly reviewed and evaluated to ensure their effectiveness and continuous improvement.

Fifth: Participation

Participation refers to the involvement of any person under the age of eighteen in a process or activity at a level appropriate to their evolving capacities.

Participation means empowering children and young people to:

Think independently.
Express their views effectively.
Interact positively with others.
Take part in decisions that affect their lives.
Contribute to decisions affecting their local communities and the wider society in which they live.

Children’s participation shall be meaningful, safe, inclusive, voluntary, and respectful of their age, maturity, and best interests.

Sixth: Standards for Recruiting and Selecting Personnel Working with Children

Institutions shall ensure that all employees, volunteers, consultants, interns, and any other individuals working with or having access to children meet appropriate safeguarding standards.

Recruitment procedures should include:

Verification of identity and qualifications.
Reference checks and background verification where legally permissible.
Assessment of candidates’ suitability to work with children.
Commitment to the organization’s Child Protection Policy and Code of Conduct.
Participation in mandatory child safeguarding training.
Ongoing monitoring and performance assessment related to child protection standards.

Failure to comply with child protection requirements may result in disciplinary action in accordance with organizational policies and applicable laws.

Consequences of Child Abuse

Any of the forms of abuse described above may result in serious consequences for children, including:

Negative effects on the child’s behavior within the family environment.
Negative impacts on the child’s academic performance and school attendance.
Physical illnesses and injuries.
Psychological and emotional disorders.
Behavioral deviations that may harm the child, such as substance abuse, alcohol consumption, delinquency, and criminal behavior.
Increased likelihood that a child who experiences violence may become violent toward other children.
In severe cases, violence against children may lead to the death of the child.

Rights of Institutions, Staff Members, and Volunteers

The Arab Child Rights Network “MANARA” is committed to providing training and capacity-building opportunities for all member organizations, employees, and volunteers who work with children to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the rights set forth in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.

Particular emphasis shall be placed on the child’s right to protection from all forms of violence, abuse, exploitation, and neglect, as well as on understanding the consequences of violations of these rights.

Training shall be delivered through both theoretical and practical approaches and shall include:

Child rights and child protection principles.
Safeguarding policies and procedures.
Practical case studies and lessons learned.
Discussions and exchange of experiences.
Training materials and guidance resources necessary for effective implementation.

Institutions, employees, and volunteers have the right to receive adequate support, training, guidance, and supervision to enable them to fulfill their child protection responsibilities effectively.

Responsibilities of Institutions, Staff Members, and Volunteers

All institutions, staff members, and volunteers shall:

1. Respect and Non-Discrimination

Treat all children with dignity, respect, and equality regardless of:

Race
Color
Gender
Language
Religion
Nationality
Ethnic or social origin
Social status
Health condition
Disability
Any other status

2. Appropriate Conduct

Refrain from using inappropriate language or behavior toward children, including:

Harassment
All forms of exploitation
Humiliation
Degrading treatment
Conduct that is inconsistent with local culture and child protection principles

3. Protection from Sexual Exploitation

Never engage children in any form of sexual activity, sexual exploitation, or prostitution.

4. Private Residences

Do not invite or take children to private homes belonging to staff members, volunteers, or other families unless there is an immediate risk to the child’s safety or health.

5. Sleeping Arrangements

Do not sleep beside children without appropriate supervision and oversight except in exceptional circumstances. In such cases, authorization from a supervisor must be obtained, and the presence of another responsible adult should be ensured whenever possible.

6. Use of Technology

Use computers, mobile phones, video equipment, and digital cameras responsibly and appropriately.

These devices must never be used to:

Harass children.
Exploit children.
Produce, possess, or distribute abusive images.
Photograph children in humiliating, degrading, or sexually suggestive situations.

7. Corporal Punishment

Refrain from all forms of corporal punishment and degrading disciplinary measures.

8. Child Labour

Do not involve children in domestic work or any other form of labor that is inappropriate for their age and development, interferes with education or recreational activities, or exposes them to danger.

9. Personal Tasks

Do not use children to perform personal errands or tasks for staff members or volunteers.

10. Begging

Refrain from giving money to children engaged in street begging, as this may reinforce begging as a source of income and increase pressure on children to continue engaging in harmful activities that interfere with their development.

11. Communication with Children

Engage children in discussions and dialogue in order to:

Reduce fears, stress, and anxiety.
Encourage participation in activities and decision-making processes.
Consider and respect their views and ideas.
Explain their rights and responsibilities.
Strengthen their skills and capacities.
Gain a deeper understanding of their living environment and needs.

12. Safety and Risk Reduction

Ensure the protection and safety of children while working with them and take all reasonable measures to reduce potential risks.

13. Food Safety

Do not provide children with expired food or any food products that may be harmful to their health, development, or well-being.

Photography, Video Recording, and Use of Children’s Images

When taking photographs or videos of children, staff and volunteers must:

Obtain informed consent from:
- The child, where appropriate; and/or
- A parent, legal guardian, or caregiver.
Ensure that photographs, films, videos, and digital materials portray children in a dignified, respectful, and non-discriminatory manner.
Ensure that children’s clothing and appearance are appropriate and do not create sexualized or exploitative representations.
Ensure that images accurately reflect the reality of the situation and are not manipulated in ways that misrepresent the child.
When transmitting images electronically, ensure that file names and accompanying information do not reveal sensitive or identifying information about children.

Obligation to Report

All employees, volunteers, and representatives of member institutions must report any suspected or actual child abuse, exploitation, neglect, or misconduct that violates this Child Protection Policy.

Child Protection Procedures and Mechanisms

The MANARA Child Rights Network believes that every member of society shares responsibility for safeguarding the well-being of children and protecting them from violence, abuse, neglect, and exploitation.

Accordingly, organizations working with children, together with all staff members and volunteers, are required to play an active role in protecting children and reporting any suspected or actual abuse occurring inside or outside their institutions.

Role of Staff and Volunteers in the Protection Mechanism

Any employee, volunteer, beneficiary, or individual affiliated with an organization working with children who suspects that a child has been subjected to abuse or exploitation shall:

Report the concern immediately to the designated Child Protection Focal Point or Child Protection Officer within the institution.
Ensure that a preliminary assessment is conducted to determine whether the concern is based on credible information.
Discuss the case with management and/or the administrative team in order to activate the Child Protection Committee or Child Protection Team responsible for reviewing the case.
Maintain strict confidentiality and refrain from sharing information with unauthorized persons.

Role of Management and the Administrative Team

When management receives a report of child abuse, regardless of its nature or severity, all necessary measures shall be taken to ensure an appropriate, fair, and proportionate response.

Management shall:

1. Conduct an Investigation

Undertake a thorough investigation to determine whether abuse has occurred.

In serious cases, a Child Protection Committee may be formed consisting of:

A medical professional.
A psychologist or mental health specialist.
A social worker or community worker.

The Committee shall be responsible for:

Interviewing the child.
Interviewing the alleged perpetrator.
Assessing the situation.
Preparing a written report.
Presenting findings to management.
Recommending appropriate actions and protective measures.

2. Apply Appropriate Corrective and Disciplinary Measures

Where abuse is substantiated, disciplinary measures shall be applied according to the seriousness of the violation.

Internal Measures

These may include:

Written warning.
Financial penalty where legally permissible.
Salary deduction where permitted by law and organizational regulations.
Termination of employment or volunteer engagement.

External Measures

Depending on the seriousness of the case, the institution may:

Refer the case to competent authorities.
Submit reports to child protection authorities and law enforcement agencies.
Cooperate with judicial and administrative investigations.
Support referral to specialized child protection and support services.

Final Commitment

All member organizations of the Arab Child Rights Network “MANARA” commit to creating and maintaining a safe, protective, and child-friendly environment in which the rights, dignity, participation, and best interests of every child are respected and safeguarded at all times.

This commitment applies to all employees, volunteers, consultants, contractors, partners, and any individual acting on behalf of the organization and shall be implemented through prevention, awareness, reporting, response, accountability, and continuous improvement of child protection practices.