Facilitators who have not recently trained or worked in the area covered by this module should read carefully through the various topics, slides, exercises, handouts and readings before starting to plan their training activity. Please note that these materials aim to stimulate learning and discussion, and should be used in conjunction with stated policy (they do not replace it). Trainers are encouraged to adapt the module to their specific geographical or cultural context and to supplement topics with their own or locally relevant material.

The vulnerability of children to various forms of abuse and exploitation in emergency situations has increasingly been recognised as a major and serious protection issue.

In 2006 the UN Study on violence against children was released as a comprehensive analysis of the forms of abuse and exploitation that children around the world are facing. It builds on the model of the study on the impact of armed conflict on children, prepared by Graca Machel and presented to the General Assembly in 1996, and follows the World Health Organisation’s 2002 World report on violence and health.

Throughout this module, references to refugee and other displaced children should be taken to include internally displaced children, returnees and children in resettlement situations.

Dealing with child abuse and exploitation (especially sexual exploitation) requires a high level of skill and sensitivity. This module aims to provide guidance on essential aspects, highlighting the main forms of abuse and presenting some possible action against it.