The case study of UNICEF programmes to protect children in emergencies (CPiE) in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is part of a global review commissioned by UNICEF. The framework for the evaluation is based on the global Child Protection Strategy (2008) and the Core Commitments to Children in Humanitarian Action (2010). It considers the effectiveness of the protective environment strategy in pre-emergency, response and recovery phases. The evaluation aims to identify key programming successes and gaps in child protection in emergencies (CPiE) and draw out lessons learned in the context of armed conflict and natural disaster.
The DRC case study reviewed aspects of the programme over the period 2011-2012, with a focus on protection issues arising from armed conflict. The evaluation focused on gender-based violence (GBV) and the reintegration of children associated with armed forces and armed groups (CAAFAG), drawing information from a desk review and interviews carried out during a visit to Kinshasa as well as telephone interviews and a questionnaire sent to UNICEF partner organizations following the visit. Security concerns forced cancellation of the planned field trip to Goma, in the province of North Kivu, so it was not possible to meet beneficiaries, partners or representatives of decentralized government structures.