What We Know about Ethical Research Involving Children in Humanitarian Settings
An overview of principles, the literature and case studies
Publication date: 2016_18
Publication series:
Innocenti Working Papers
No. of pages: 62
Download the report
(PDF, 0.56 MB)
Related Project(s):
Abstract
This working paper identifies and explores the
issues that should be considered when undertaking ethical research involving
children in humanitarian settings. Both the universal (i.e. relevant to all
research involving children) and specific ethical issues that may arise when
involving children in research in humanitarian settings are examined. This is
undertaken through a review of the literature, relevant case studies, and a
reflection on the ethical issues highlighted in UNICEF’s Procedure for Ethical
Standards in Research, Evaluation, Data Collection and Analysis (the Ethics
Procedure). The key findings of this overview highlight that many of the
ethical issues that are present in other settings remain relevant and
applicable in the context of humanitarian settings. These include: an
institution’s capacity to appropriately and respectfully engage children in
research, understanding power relations, securing informed consent and assent,
ascertaining harms and benefits, maintaining privacy and confidentiality, and
ensuring appropriate communication of findings.
Available in:
English
More in this series: Innocenti Working Papers
Publication
Cross-Sectoral Learning in Implementation Research: Harnessing the potential to accelerate results for children
By illuminating why and how interventions work in real world settings, Implementation Research (IR) is a powerful tool for increasing the likelihood that evidence-based interventions, programmes and policies are successfully implemented. The insights that IR generates help bridge the 'know-do gap' – the gap between what we know works and what actually happens on the ground when we try to put a policy or intervention into place. IR is a means for increasing the likelihood of successful outcomes, reducing the risk of wastage and failure and accelerating programme and system improvements to reduce inequities and achieve desired results.
This paper, prepared by the Centre for Evidence and Implementation in collaboration with UNICEF, aims to promote a shared understanding of IR and its relevance to UNICEF's work.
Publication
The Impact of Interventions Targeting Caregivers, Health Workers and the Community to Alter Vaccine Behaviours and Childhood Vaccination Uptake: A Rapid evidence assessment protocol
Vaccination is one of the most effective measures for preventing illness, disability and death. In Europe and Central Asia, routine immunization rates vary between countries and over time. Behavioural determinants of vaccine hesitancy in the region include diminished trust among caregivers and health professionals; knowledge and awareness of vaccination; perceptions of risk; and health professionals’ skills, knowledge and attitudes.
This rapid evidence assessment aims to summarize the impact of interventions targeting caregivers, healthcare workers and the community to improve intention and motivation to vaccinate and vaccination rates of children under 5 years old. The evidence will inform policy and programmatic recommendations.
Publication
Effectiveness of Inclusive Interventions for Children with Disabilities in Low- and Middle-income Countries: Protocol for an evidence and gap map
Of the nearly 1 billion people with a disability, 80% live in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) and 240 million are children. Children with disabilities remain one of the most marginalized and excluded groups in society.
This protocol to the Evidence and Gap Map on the Effectiveness of Inclusive Interventions for Children with Disabilities Living in LMICs aims to identify the available evidence on inclusive interventions to improve access to health, education and social services for these children, and enable them to participate fully in society by addressing discrimination, improving living conditions, incorporating mainstreaming approaches and promoting empowerment. It highlights gaps in the evidence to prioritize future research and evaluation agendas; identifies contextual factors related to various populations and settings; and provides a database of peer-reviewed and grey literature in this area.
Publication
Barriers and Facilitators to Providing Assistive Technologies to Children with Disabilities in South Sudan
South Sudan is in a protracted crisis. Four million people have been displaced and many have been left living with high levels of injury, poverty and food insecurity. The impact of the crisis on children – who make up over 29% of the population – is particularly high, and a large number are at risk of being born with or acquiring a disability.
Assistive technologies (AT) – the systems, services and products that enhance the functioning of people with impairments – are likely to be required by many children in South Sudan with disabilities. There is no reliable data available on disability prevalence or AT needs in South Sudan, though estimates suggest a range between 10% and 15% of the population. This work aims to understand the landscape of AT provision and the barriers and facilitators to provision and provides recommendations for priority actions.