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
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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
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This working paper was partially funded by the University of Oxford and UNICEF Innocenti – Global Office of Research and Foresight.
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