RIGHT OF THE MONTH
Right to live in a peaceful & safe community
Children whose health and potential are still developing are the most vulnerable to being victims of violence, abuse, and exploitation by society.
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Severe and long-term physical, emotional, and mental trauma are the primary consequences of children experiencing abuse and violence of the community.
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Unhealthy children lead to an unproductive community in the long run.
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A peaceful and safe community serves as an intervention from any form of violence and promotes positive or prosocial behavior to all children.
CHILDREN IN CONFLICT AND NATURAL DISASTERS
WAR
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In the Philippines, children suffered grave effects as a result of the Marawi siege, including death, injury, displacement, violence, and recruitment and abduction into armed forces/groups. As a result, the number of children living in poverty in the ARMM has increased. (UNICEF Philippines, 2018)
​NATURAL DISASTER
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Typhoon Odette wreaked havoc on the Philippines on December 16, 2021, leaving 912,000 children in need of shelter, food, and safe water (UNICEF Philippines, 2022).
WHAT CAN WE DO?
WHAT CAN WE DO?
Protect the children from danger
Identify all hazards that could affect their physical, mental, and emotional states by removing them from dangerous situations.
Establish positive family relationships
Build good family relationships through quality time, communication, teamwork, and appreciation. In this way, the child will feel more secure and loved.
Surround the children with safe communities
Children must be guided to stay away from bad influences and situations that may cause them harm.
Teach them how to notify an authority figure
Tell the children that their boundaries must be respected; they should notify an authority figure such as their teacher whenever they feel uncomfortable to get them out of the situation.
Reach out for help when you suspect any form of child abuse
Contact authorities which may help such as the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) or to the Child Health and Intervention Protective Service (CHIPS).