The Children’s Peace Zone National Campaign (CJPP) has urged prioritizing the protection, health, nutrition, safety, and education of children affected by disasters. Kathmandu, 3 September – CJPP emphasized the urgent need to pay special attention to the safety and well-being of children following disasters. Their primary demand is to ensure that children are kept safe, healthy, well-nourished, and educated.
According to CJPP, “In such situations, children are at risk and may fall prey to trafficking and displacement.” Additionally, “There is a critical need for child-friendly psychosocial counseling and support to address fear, stress, anxiety, and mental trauma that affected children may experience.” CJPP also highlighted that during disaster times, publishing pictures, videos, or sensitive information about affected children and their families in media and social networks, without due sensitivity, is inappropriate.
Such actions can increase psychological stress among children and compromise confidentiality and fundamental child protection principles. Therefore, CJPP has requested that the identity, photographs, and personal information of affected children and families not be disclosed publicly. Furthermore, all relevant actors are urged to address the issues of foul odors and possible epidemics stemming from missing persons and unclaimed bodies and to consider the psychological effects on children.
Efforts to locate and rescue missing individuals should be effective, extensive, and continuous. CJPP also called on concerned authorities to ensure that relief and humanitarian aid are provided fairly and comprehensively.
