Community Based Child Protection as a Strategy for Protecting South Sudanese Refugee Children: A case study from Gambella, Ethiopia

This case study describes the role of community-based child protection committees (CPCs) in improving the safety and protection of children in three South Sudanese refugee camps in Gambella, Ethiopia. 

Two years of intensive work by the CPCs in the refugee camps have shown positive impact on the protective environment in the camps. More child protection concerns and violations are being reported in a timely way so that children can be referred to appropriate services and receive the support they need. The CPCs have also greatly contributed to the prevention of child protection issues through engaging local leaders, children, youth and parents in prevention work and response to early signs of child abuse and neglect. Plan International‘s approach to play a facilitating and supporting role to guide the CPCs has enabled CPCs to progressively take ownership and leadership in their own protection work.

Key lessons include the importance of building new structures upon and in coordination with existing groups, networks and authorities; the importance of intensive capacity building support, providing ongoing technical support and monitoring in the initial phase of the response; as well as the need to establish a clear and confidential reporting and recording system for each CPC.