30/10/2024
STRENGTHENING THE PROTECTION OF CHILDREN THROUGH EDUCATION.
Speakers:
Ambassador Dominik Stillhart, Deputy Director General and Head of Humanitarian Aid and SHA Division of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (Switzerland) –Introductory keynote address
Petra Heusser, Executive Director of the Geneva Global Hub for Education in Emergencies – Moderator of the panel discussion
Cathrine Andersen, Special Representative for the Protection of Civilians, Norwegians’ Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Norway) – Panellist
Xavier Castellanos, IFRC Under-Secretary General, National Society Development and Operations Coordination – Panellist
Catherine Iskandar, Psychosocial Support and Protection, Gender and Inclusion Program Officer, Lebanese Red Cross – Panellist
Michelle Chew Shi Jie, National Youth Council Chair of the Malaysian Red Crescent Society and IFRC Youth Commission Chair – Panellist
Yasmine Praz Dessimoz, ICRC Director of Operations – Concluding remarks
Description Despite communities’ persuasive call, children and youths’ education and protection in emergencies are consistently underprioritized and underfunded. Before, during and after crisis of any type, the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement components carry out a wide range of humanitarian, education-related activities, notably in support or in substitution of public authorities. The National Societies’ auxiliary role, organizational branch system and network of community volunteers make them uniquely positioned to identify and address educational needs and related child protection risks in local communities. However, they require more financial and technical support to strengthen their preparedness, anticipatory and response capacity. In the spirit of building a global culture of respect for IHL and enabling sustainable, locally led action, this side-event will bring together Member States, ICRC, IFRC, National Societies and global networks of key stakeholders in education and protection to: – underline the imperative of ensuring compliance with legal obligations related to the protection and safety of education communities and facilities; – share effective tools and approaches to guarantee safe, equitable and continued access to education and protection services in humanitarian contexts; – call for increased commitment and support to education and related protection of children and youth in emergencies.
