Abstract
Purpose This paper aims to fill a gap in the existing literature by shedding the light on four main issues. First, the relationship between child-at-risk protection and sustainable development and the key factors contributing to the failure or success of child-at-risk protection systems. Second, the main characteristics and limitations of the current institutional arrangements of the child-at-risk protection system in Egypt. Third, the budget allocations to child protection-relevant entities in Egypt. Fourth, the way forward to enhance the effectiveness of the child-at-risk protection system in Egypt. Design/methodology/approach The methodology used in this paper is of a qualitative nature. The authors relied on desk review of the international and national reports (including the un-published ones) and the relevant literature on the topic. Additionally, the authors reviewed the relevant laws and regulations and analyzed the fiscal data extracted from Egypt’s State budget. Also, semi-structured interviews were conducted with some officials from the different governmental entities covered by the study. Findings From the institutional perspective, the authors find that the current child-at-risk protection system in Egypt needs effective institutional arrangements, as it is attributed with the limited activation of the child protection committees, lack of coordination mechanisms and overlapping mandates with regards to case management. Hence, the authors propose two institutional approaches that could help in enhancing the performance of the current system. While the first approach has decentralized nature, the other is centralized. From the fiscal perspective, the authors analyze the trend and composition of the budget allocations to the child protection-relevant entities in Egypt. They show that such allocations are relatively small especially when items not related to child protection are excluded. Originality/value The paper analyzes the main characteristics and limitations of the current institutional arrangements of the child-at-risk protection system in Egypt. Moreover, it proposes two alternative institutional approaches to deal with such limitations and enhance the effectiveness of the current system. The paper also provides an analysis of the budget allocations to the child protection-relevant entities in Egypt. These issues have not been addressed sufficiently in the Egyptian context.
Highlights
There has been a global interest by the international community in the protection of children against all forms of violence, abuse and exploitation, as a fundamental human right
Despite the efforts of the Egyptian government and its commitment to protecting children, the current institutional arrangements for child-at-risk protection show the limited activation and effectiveness of General Child Protection Committees (GCPCs) and Child Protection Committees (CPCs) at the local level; the weak coordination among different stakeholders involved in the child-at-risk protection; the insufficiency of full time and well-trained social workers in the relevant government agencies; and the overlapping mandates regarding the management of children-at-risk cases
According to the ILO-United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) joint report in 2019, while expenditure on social protection for children represents around 2.5% of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in Europe, it accounts for 0.1% of GDP in North Africa
Summary
There has been a global interest by the international community in the protection of children against all forms of violence, abuse and exploitation, as a fundamental human right. Despite the efforts of the Egyptian government and its commitment to protecting children, the current institutional arrangements for child-at-risk protection show the limited activation and effectiveness of GCPCs and CPCs at the local level; the weak coordination among different stakeholders involved in the child-at-risk protection; the insufficiency of full time and well-trained social workers in the relevant government agencies; and the overlapping mandates regarding the management of children-at-risk cases. This convoluted situation requires institutional interventions that guarantee the effectiveness of the child-at-risk protection system.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have