North East Nigeria: Protection concerns in the context of the COVID-19 crisis

Apart from health risks related to COVID-19, it is expected that the pandemic and the accompanying response will have a significant adverse impact on affected populations. Children are likely to become vulnerable to violence or neglect due to social distancing measures, but there is also a risk for negative coping mechanisms due to high levels of stress. It is therefore crucial to employ health staff with skills and experience of working with children. 

This brief highlights protection risks which are likely to arise or worsen as a result of the COVID-19 crisis and the authorities’ response in North East Nigeria. It also includes recommendations on how humanitarian workers can respond to these risks.