Understanding the Plight of Internally Displaced Children in Ethiopia
The research article titled The forms and adverse effects of insecurities among internally displaced children in Ethiopia provides a comprehensive exploration of the challenges faced by internally displaced children (IDP) in Ethiopia. The study highlights the various forms of insecurities experienced by these children, including basic needs insecurity, healthcare insecurity, academic insecurity, economic insecurity, food insecurity, and physical and mental health insecurity.
Key Findings and Implications for Practitioners
The study identifies several critical areas of concern that practitioners should be aware of when working with internally displaced children:
- Basic Needs Insecurity: IDP children often lack access to essential resources such as clothing, shelter, clean water, and sanitary facilities. This lack of basic necessities can lead to both physiological and psychological health issues.
- Healthcare Insecurity: Despite initial government support, many IDP children face financial barriers, lack of medication, and poor quality of care in healthcare facilities. This gap in healthcare access can exacerbate existing health conditions and lead to untreated illnesses.
- Academic Insecurity: Displacement disrupts children's education, leading to interrupted schooling and limited future opportunities. Language barriers and cultural differences further hinder their educational progress.
- Economic Insecurity: The loss of income and economic instability within IDP families forces children to assume adult responsibilities, impacting their development and well-being.
- Food Insecurity: Inconsistent food supply and reliance on humanitarian aid result in malnutrition and starvation risks, particularly for children and breastfeeding mothers.
- Physical and Mental Health Insecurity: Exposure to violence and insecurity during displacement leads to trauma and mental health challenges, including prolonged PTSD and depression.
How Practitioners Can Make a Difference
Practitioners working with internally displaced children can play a crucial role in addressing these insecurities by:
- Advocating for improved access to basic needs and healthcare services.
- Implementing culturally sensitive educational programs that accommodate language and cultural differences.
- Providing psychosocial support to address trauma and mental health issues.
- Collaborating with local and international organizations to ensure consistent food supply and economic support for IDP families.
Encouraging Further Research
The study underscores the importance of continued research to better understand the complexities of displacement and its impact on children. Practitioners are encouraged to engage in further research to develop evidence-based interventions that address the unique needs of internally displaced children.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: The forms and adverse effects of insecurities among internally displaced children in Ethiopia.
