The Top 10 Countries With The Worst Child Protection Systems
It is a sad truth that many countries around the world have poor child protection systems which can leave children vulnerable to exploitation and abuse. In this article, we’ll be looking at the top ten countries with the worst child protection systems, their individual problems and what can be done to help protect children in those areas.
Introduction
Every year, millions of children around the world are victims of abuse, exploitation and neglect. According to a report by UNICEF, an estimated 150 million children – one in four – live in homes where they experience violence, including physical, sexual or emotional abuse.
In too many cases, these children have nowhere to turn for help. Their abusers are often people they know and trust, such as family members or neighbours. And even when they do reach out for help, too often they find that the systems meant to protect them – the child protection systems – let them down.
That’s why we’ve put together this list of the top countries with the worst child protection systems. These are places where children are at high risk of abuse and exploitation, and where the systems meant to keep them safe are failing them.
What is Child Protection System?
In many developed countries, the child protection system is a set of government agencies and non-governmental organizations that work together to protect children from abuse and neglect. The system is designed to investigate reports of child maltreatment, provide services to families to prevent further maltreatment, and ensure that children who have been abused or neglected receive the care and services they need.
The United States has one of the most comprehensive child protection systems in the world. Federal and state laws mandate that certain professionals, such as physicians, teachers, and law enforcement officers, must report suspected cases of child abuse or neglect to child protective services (CPS) agencies. CPS agencies are responsible for investigating reports of child maltreatment and providing services to families to prevent further maltreatment. If CPS determine that a child has been abused or neglected, the agency may place the child in foster care or arrange for other forms of out-of-home care.
There are many countries that do not have such comprehensive child protection systems in place. In some countries, there are no laws mandating that professionals report suspected cases of child abuse or neglect. In other countries, CPS agencies may lack the resources necessary to investigate all reports of child maltreatment. As a result, many children who are abused or neglected do not receive the help they need.
Top 10 Countries with the Worst Child Protection Systems
Here is list of 10 countries with worst child protection systems in the world.
Country 1: Somalia
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) reports that Somalia has the worst child protection system in the world. In fact, UNICEF does not even have accurate data on the number of children in Somalia because the country does not keep track of them. The Somali government does not invest in its children and there are no laws or policies to protect them. In addition, Somalia is plagued by conflict and violence, which puts children at risk of exploitation, abuse, and recruitment into armed groups. There are also reports of child marriage and female genital mutilation (FGM) in Somalia.
According to UNICEF, an estimated 4 million children in Somalia are in need of humanitarian assistance. This includes nearly 2 million internally displaced children who have been forced to flee their homes due to conflict or insecurity. Many of these children are living in makeshift settlements with little access to basic services such as clean water, sanitation, and healthcare. They are also at risk of being recruited by armed groups or being caught up in the crossfire of fighting. Child labor is also a problem in Somalia, with many kids working in dangerous jobs such as herding livestock or scavenging for food and water.
Country 2: Central African Republic
The Central African Republic (CAR) is one of the poorest countries in the world, with a GDP per capita of just $600. It also ranks as one of the worst countries for children, with high rates of child mortality, malnutrition, and abuse.
The CAR has been plagued by violence and instability for years, and its child protection system is woefully underfunded and understaffed. There are only a handful of social workers in the country, and they are often unable to respond to cases of abuse or neglect. Children in the CAR are also at risk of being recruited by armed groups.
In 2016, UNICEF estimated that nearly 1 million children in the CAR were in need of humanitarian assistance. This number has likely increased in the years since, as the country continues to be mired in conflict.
Country 3: Sudan
The conflict-ridden nation of Sudan ranks as one of the worst countries in the world for child protection. An ongoing civil war has resulted in widespread violence and human rights abuses, including the use of child soldiers. In addition, poverty is endemic, and many children are forced to work in order to support their families. Girls are particularly vulnerable to exploitation and abuse, and early marriage is common. There is also a lack of basic infrastructure and services, such as healthcare and education, which leaves children at risk. The government has shown little commitment to protecting children’s rights, and the situation is unlikely to improve in the near future.
Country 4: South Sudan
South Sudan is one of the top countries with the worst child protection systems. The South Sudanese government has not ratified the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, and has not signed or acceded to the Optional Protocols on the Involvement of Children in Armed Conflict or on the Sale of Children, Child Prostitution and Pornography. There are no laws specifically protecting children from abuse, exploitation or violence.
The conflict in South Sudan has resulted in widespread human rights violations against children, including killings, rape and other sexual violence, recruitment into armed groups, abduction, and denial of humanitarian access. More than 1.87 million children have been displaced by the conflict, many of whom are living in camps without adequate shelter, food or clean water. In addition to the risks posed by the conflict, children in South Sudan are also at risk of harmful traditional practices such as early and forced marriage and female genital mutilation (FGM).
Country 5: Pakistan
Pakistan is one of the top countries with the worst child protection systems. There are many reasons for this, but some of the most prominent ones include:
-The high rate of child marriages. In Pakistan, it is estimated that around 21% of girls are married before they turn 18. This is one of the highest rates in the world and it means that girls are often not able to finish their education or have any real control over their lives.
-A lack of birth registration. It is estimated that only around 60% of children in Pakistan are registered at birth. This means that many children do not officially exist and are therefore more vulnerable to exploitation and abuse.
-Poor law enforcement. Unfortunately, the police in Pakistan are often corrupt and ineffective, meaning that perpetrators of child abuse often go unpunished.
-A lack of government support. The Pakistani government does not invest enough in its child protection system, meaning that there are few services available for victims of abuse.
Country 6: Afghanistan
Afghanistan is a country in Central Asia with a population of around 32 million. The country has been devastated by decades of conflict, and its child protection system is one of the worst in the world.
Around half of all Afghan children are malnourished, and many do not have access to basic healthcare or education. Child labor is widespread, and nearly one in four girls are married before the age of 18.
The Afghan government has very little capacity to protect children from abuse, exploitation, and violence. There are no national laws or policies specifically addressing child protection, and little data is available on the prevalence of child abuse or neglect.
NGOs and international organizations are working to improve the situation for children in Afghanistan, but progress is slow due to the country’s instability and lack of resources.
Country 7: Myanmar
Myanmar, formerly Burma, is a country in Southeast Asia. The country has been in the news recently for its treatment of the Rohingya people, a Muslim minority group who have been persecuted by the Myanmar government. According to a report by the United Nations, the Myanmar government has committed “crimes against humanity” against the Rohingya people.
The situation for children in Myanmar is not much better. In 2015, Myanmar was ranked as one of the worst countries in the world for child protection by Save the Children. The organization cited Myanmar’s high rates of child marriage, human trafficking, and sexual violence as some of the reasons for its ranking.
According to UNICEF, more than half of all children in Myanmar are not enrolled in school. This is due to a variety of factors, including poverty, conflict, and discrimination. As a result of not being able to attend school, many children are forced to work in hazardous jobs or beg on the streets just to survive.
The situation for children in Myanmar is dire and urgent action is needed to protect them from abuse and exploitation. The international community must pressure the Myanmar government to end its persecution of the Rohingya people and take steps to improve conditions for all children in the country.
Country 8: Syria
The conflict in Syria has resulted in the death of thousands of children. Many more have been wounded or maimed, and over a million are now refugees. The Syrian government has been accused of using chemical weapons against its own people, including children.
There is no functioning child protection system in Syria. The conflict has destroyed infrastructure and social services. Thousands of children have been orphaned or separated from their families. They are at risk of exploitation, abuse, and recruitment into armed groups.
The UNICEF-led No Lost Generation initiative is working to protect and support children affected by the conflict in Syria. This includes providing psychosocial support, education, and basic needs such as food and shelter.
Country 9: Iraq
The top countries with the worst child protection systems are: Iraq, Afghanistan, Central African Republic, Chad, Syria, Yemen, Pakistan, Somalia, and Sudan. These countries have little to no child protection infrastructure in place and children are at high risk for abuse, exploitation, and neglect. In many cases, armed conflict and natural disasters make the situation even worse.
Iraq is no stranger to violence and conflict. The country has seen multiple wars over the past few decades, as well as an ongoing insurgency. This instability has made it very difficult to develop a strong child protection system. There are few laws in place to protect children from abuse and exploitation, and enforcement is weak. Children living in Iraq are at high risk of being recruited by armed groups or being used as human shields. They may also be sexually abused or exploited by adults.
The situation for children in Afghanistan is similar to that of Iraq. The country has been plagued by conflict for many years, making it difficult to develop effective child protection mechanisms. There are currently no laws specifically protecting children from abuse or exploitation. However, a new law that was passed in 2017 criminalizes forced marriage and gives some protections to children who are victims of domestic violence. Despite these efforts, however, children in Afghanistan remain at high risk of abuse and exploitation.
Like Iraq and Afghanistan, the Central African Republic has also been plagued by years of conflict. This instability has made it very difficult to develop strong child protection measures.
Country 10: Yemen
Yemen is one of the countries with the worst child protection systems in the world. There are no laws or regulations in place to protect children from abuse, exploitation, and neglect. Child labor is widespread, and many children are forced to work in hazardous conditions. Girls are often married off at a young age, and they are at risk of being subjected to gender-based violence. There is also a lack of access to education and health care for children in Yemen.
Conclusion
Child protection systems are an essential part of ensuring the safety and wellbeing of children around the world, yet many countries have inadequate or non-existent child protection systems. This article has revealed 10 countries with some of the worst child protection systems in place. We urge governments to take steps towards improving these systems so that all children can enjoy a safe and secure environment in which they can grow and thrive. Only then can we hope to make a real difference in protecting those who are most vulnerable and at risk.