Protecting the World’s Children: Public Health, Human Rights, Capabilities

The safety and protection of all children, now and in the future, is of paramount importance for the well-being of both humankind and the planet. Currently, the world’s children are experiencing unprecedented levels of uncertainty and insecurity, taking a significant toll on their physical and psychological well-being. The COVID-19 pandemic caused widespread instability, while inequity and injustice are becoming increasingly apparent. The rise of authoritarian regimes, coupled with the devastating impacts of climate change, as well as wars, civil unrest, and loss of livelihoods, have led to increased forced migration and exploitation of vulnerable populations.
Furthermore, geopolitical developments, as well as rising costs of living and fears of a global recession, pose significant threats to the advancement of child rights.

Despite these setbacks, considerable progress has been made in improving the rights and wellbeing of children. For instance, polio has almost been eradicated globally, and school enrolment levels are beginning to recover following the COVID-19 pandemic. These are positive signs of our ability to work together to tackle entrenched social problems that affect children. This progress indicates that practical solutions can be implemented to create better opportunities and conditions.

This book seeks to bring cohesion to the fragmented field of child protection with a new global approach and framework. The approach is rights-based, public-health focused, and seeks to enhance the capacities of all children by keeping them safe and protected. The aim is a childhood free from violence, and one in which children’s voice and agency, according to their age and maturity, are recognized. Whether the reader is actively engaged in these issues or personally curious, valuable perspectives on the current landscape of child protection are offered. The highlighting of the profound impact of climate change, poverty, conflict, and exclusion on the lives and protection of children makes it a timely contribution to the literature.

Written by an international group of experts and practitioners the chapters address the most
pressing concerns in this complex area, including labour, trafficking, migration, adoption, foster
care and alternative care, war, natural disasters, and various forms of violence. The chapters
are categorized under three distinct headings: advancing a fresh perspective on child safety
and protection; addressing the challenge; and charting the path forward. Throughout the work,
the authors emphasize the underlying principles of children’s rights, systemic approaches to
prevention, tackling adverse social norms, and addressing the challenge of insufficient resource
allocation.

Since 1987, Susan Bissell’s career has focused on the rights, safety and security of children and she is currently serving on a number of Boards, teaching, and writing. Susan spent over twenty-five years working in various capacities for UNICEF, and from 2016 until 2018 led the establishment of the Global Partnership to End Violence Against Children and its associated Fund.
From 2009 to 2015, Susan served as Associate Director and Chief of Child Protection for UNICEF. Author of a number of research studies, she has worked with UNICEF in Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, India, Italy (at the Innocenti Research Centre in Florence), and New York City. Susan earned a PhD in public health and medical anthropology from the University of Melbourne, Australia. She holds a BA and MA from the University of Toronto.

A K Shiva Kumar teaches economic and public policy at Harvard Kennedy School, Cambridge and is also visiting professor at the Indian School of Business, Hyderabad.
He has been associated with the preparation of national human development reports in a number of countries, including Bhutan, Maldives, Mongolia, Myanmar, and Serbia. In addition to serving as an advisor to UNICEF India, he is a member of India’s National Advisory Council.
His research focuses on poverty and human development, social sector analysis, and the impact of development policies on children and women. Shiva received a PhD in political economy and government from Harvard University.