DEVELOPMENT OF POLICY BRIEF ON COMPREHENSIVE CHILD SAFEGUARDING DURING PROTESTS

2.0 INTRODUCTION

The Anglican Development Services-Kenya (ADS-Kenya), serving as the development arm of the Anglican Church of Kenya, has been instrumental in fostering social transformation. Originating during colonial times with missionaries establishing schools and hospitals, ADS-Kenya evolved through vocational training centers and humanitarian efforts in the 1970s. The 1980s and 1990s saw a focus on social justice, influencing the political landscape. In the 2000s, ADS-Kenya redirected efforts toward comprehensive development, addressing food security, economic empowerment, healthcare, and HIV/AIDS. Recent initiatives in economic empowerment, food security, water and sanitation, and climate change reflect ADS-Kenya’s commitment to community transformation. Notably, ADS-Kenya actively participated in the global climate change justice campaign, presenting 600,000 petitions to the Conference of Parties in 2015/2016. Additionally, ADS-Kenya played a role in political mediation in 2016 and initiated a successful peace-building process in Transmara in 2017. Moving forward, ADS-Kenya remains dedicated to collaborative efforts for positive change and sustainable living.Top of Form

2.0 BACKGROUND

Protests and demonstrations are an integral part of democratic societies, providing a platform for citizens to voice their concerns, advocate for change, and participate in civic engagement. Protests can encompass a wide range of issues, including political, social, economic, environmental, and human rights concerns. However, the dynamics of protests can be unpredictable, and ensuring the safety and well-being of all participants, especially vulnerable groups such as children, is of paramount importance.

In the context of Kenya, there have been past unfortunate incidents that underscore the critical need for comprehensive child safeguarding during protests. These incidents include tragic events where children, while in the comfort of their homes, were shot due to their proximity to protest areas. Additionally, instances of children being tear-gassed, both within school premises and in their homes, have highlighted the urgent necessity of developing clear guidelines and policies to protect children during protests.

Children, as some of the most vulnerable members of Kenyan society, require special attention and protection during protests of any nature. They may become inadvertently involved or exposed to situations that can potentially harm them physically, emotionally, or psychologically. Child safeguarding during protests is a critical component of ensuring that children’s rights are upheld, and their well-being is protected when they find themselves in protest-affected areas.

Protests often occur in various locations across Kenya, both urban and rural, including places close to homes and schools, where children gather. This proximity underscores the need for clear guidelines, policies, and responsible conduct by all stakeholders to protect children and uphold their rights during protests.

Child safeguarding during protests in Kenya entails addressing a range of issues, including the potential impact of protests on children, the need for comprehensive guidelines, and the roles and responsibilities of different actors, including law enforcement agencies, civil society organizations, educational institutions, and community members.

3.0 OBJECTIVES:

The primary objective of this consultancy is to prepare a policy brief that will serve as a comprehensive guideline for relevant stakeholders in Kenya, including law enforcement agencies, educational institutions, civil society organizations, and community members, on child safeguarding during any form of protests, with a specific focus on the conduct of all stakeholders in multiple environments, including homes and schools.

The policy brief should:

1. Identify key risks and challenges to children’s safety during protests in various settings in Kenya.
2. Propose measures and policies to mitigate these risks and ensure the protection of children’s rights in Kenya.
3. Provide recommendations for the conduct of all stakeholders in safeguarding children during protests in Kenya.
4. Highlight best practices and case studies from Kenya and other regions, if applicable.

4.0 SCOPE OF WORK

The consultant’s responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:

1. Conducting a thorough review of relevant national and international laws, policies, and guidelines related to child safeguarding during protests and the conduct of all stakeholders in multiple environments.
2. Reviewing existing research, reports, and case studies on this topic, with a specific focus on incidents in Kenya.
3. Engaging with relevant stakeholders in Kenya, including government authorities, law enforcement agencies, civil society organizations, educational institutions, and community members, to gather input and insights.
4. Developing a comprehensive policy brief that includes clear recommendations, guidelines, and best practices for safeguarding children during protests in various environments in Kenya.
5. Presenting the draft policy brief for feedback and incorporating suggested revisions.
6. Submitting the final policy brief in both electronic and hardcopy formats.

5.0 TIMELINE

The consultancy is expected to be completed within 20 days, starting from the signing of the contract.

6.0 DELIVERABLES

1. Inception Report: A brief report outlining the consultant’s approach and work plan within the set timeframe.
2. Draft Policy Brief: A comprehensive draft policy brief for review and feedback within the deadline of the assignment.
3. Final Policy Brief: The finalized policy brief, incorporating feedback and revisions, within the contractual timeline.

7.0 QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

1. A minimum of 5 years of experience in child protection, human rights, Public Policy, Peace and Conflict Transformation, or a related field.
2. Expertise in policy analysis and development.
3. Familiarity with child safeguarding issues and protests, with specific knowledge of incidents in Kenya.
4. Strong research and analytical skills.
5. Excellent communication and report writing skills.
6. Demonstrated experience in engaging with stakeholders and conducting consultations.

8.0 BUDGET

The budget for this consultancy should include all expenses related to research, meetings, consultations, and the preparation of the policy brief. The budget should be submitted as part of the proposal.

9.0 EVALUATION CRITERIA

Proposals will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

1. Demonstrated expertise and experience in child protection and policy development.
2. Clarity and relevance of the proposed methodology.
3. Realistic timeline and work plan.
4. Competitive budget proposal.
5. References and past work in related areas.