Child protection in humanitarian contexts covers abuse, neglect, exploitation, trafficking, recruitment by armed groups, separated children, child labour, child sexual abuse, child marriage and any situation where a child is at serious risk.
Child marriage and forced marriage
Child marriage is usually understood as any formal marriage or informal union involving someone under 18. It may be presented as protection, tradition, family honour, poverty relief or a way to reduce household pressure, but it can expose children to sexual violence, early pregnancy, school dropout, isolation, dependence, control and long-term harm.
Child marriage can affect girls and boys, but girls are often at much higher risk. In crisis settings, families may see marriage as a survival strategy, especially where food, shelter, school and income have collapsed.
Possible warning signs
- A child suddenly leaving school or not being allowed outside.
- Talk of marriage as a response to displacement, debt, pregnancy, shame or protection.
- An older partner, guardian or family member controlling a child’s movement.
- A child appearing frightened, withdrawn, resigned or unable to speak privately.
Safe response
- Use the child protection focal point immediately.
- Do not confront family members or the proposed spouse yourself.
- Do not promise rescue, relocation or legal action.
- Record only what the protocol requires and protect the child’s identity.
Child sexual abuse and exploitation
Child sexual abuse may be committed by adults or older children, family members, acquaintances, employers, traffickers, armed actors, teachers, faith figures, neighbours, online contacts or people who claim to offer care, work, transport, protection or marriage.
Children may not describe abuse directly. They may use vague language, appear afraid of a specific person, avoid certain places, have unexplained gifts, injuries or sexual health concerns, or be controlled by someone else. None of these signs proves abuse, but they are reasons to use the safeguarding pathway.
What to do when a child may be at risk
Prioritise immediate safety
If the child is in immediate danger, follow the emergency child protection and security protocol.
Use trained child protection staff
Refer to the child protection focal point or case management service. Do not conduct an informal investigation.
Explain carefully
Do not promise secrecy. Explain in child-appropriate language that you may need to speak to someone whose job is to help keep children safe.
Protect identity
Avoid names, photos, locations and identifiable details in emails, documents, chat messages or public reports.
Programme design considerations
Child protection should influence recruitment, accommodation, transport, distribution design, school support, cash programming, complaint channels, safe spaces, digital contact, photography consent, partner selection and volunteer management.
Teams should listen to child protection specialists and local partners about local risks. Instructions about movement, photography, interviewing, translation, child contact, transport, accommodation and reporting should be followed closely.
Source guidance and further reading
Use local referral pathways, mission briefings and trained protection, safeguarding, GBV, child protection, medical and security focal points before relying on any general online guidance. These external sources are included for context and should be adapted to the setting.
- UNICEF Child MarriageChild marriage protection framing.
- UNICEF Data: Child MarriageDefinition and global child marriage data.
- GBV Pocket GuideBasic support guidance for GBV survivors.
- WHO Clinical Management of Rape and IPV SurvivorsClinical protocols for health-care providers, including child survivors.
Questions people often ask
What age counts as child marriage?
Child marriage is commonly defined as a formal marriage or informal union involving a person under 18.
Should a non-specialist interview a child about abuse?
No. Use the child protection or safeguarding pathway and avoid repeated questioning.
Can child marriage affect boys?
Yes. It can affect boys and girls, though girls are often at greater risk and face specific harms.