Collaborative Partnerships Seeks to Ensure Safer Childhood for Palestinian Children

Bethlehem University, in partnership with UNICEF under the Sawasya III Joint Programme, hosted a conference and the first graduation ceremony of the Specialized Professional Diploma in Child Protection.

A two-day event began on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, with a conference “Child Protection in a Diverse World–Palestine as a Model,” held at Bethlehem University’s campus. The sessions brought together experts and professionals to discuss key issues related to child protection within the Palestinian social and cultural context. The conference concluded with a set of recommendations aimed at strengthening the child protection system in Palestine.

In his opening remarks, Br. Hernán Santos, FSC, Vice Chancellor of Bethlehem University said, “We are here to celebrate the launch and first graduation cohort of the Child Protection Professional Diploma—a program that represents not only the growth of academic excellence at Bethlehem University, but also our deep commitment to the children of Palestine. Endorsed by the Palestinian Ministry of Higher Education and funded through the generous support of UNICEF and the Sawasya III Joint Programme.” He added, “This initiative brought together a powerful coalition: our Social Science Department, the Palestinian Children Council, Terre des Hommes, UNRWA, the Family Protection Police, the Ministries of Social Affairs and Education, and SOS Children’s Villages. Together, they built a program rooted in theory, but grounded in the real, painful challenges our communities face daily.”

The activities continued on Wednesday, April 9, with the graduation ceremony for participants of the Specialized Professional Diploma in Child Protection, implemented by the Institute for Community Engagement & Partnership at Bethlehem University, with support from UNICEF through the Sawasya III Joint Programme, Reinforcing Equal Access to Justice for All Palestinians, a joint initiative by UNDP, UN Women, and UNICEF.

The Specialized Professional Diploma in Child Protection was developed in response to the growing need to strengthen the child protection system in Palestine, amid rising cases of violence against children. Through this collaborative partnership an integrated academic curriculum was developed to equip professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to safeguard children and uphold their rights.

Ms. Micaela Pasini, Chief of Child Protection at UNICEF, stated: “No system can function without equipped skilled and dedicated professionals that ensure the protection support that the child need. This is why UNICEF places a strong emphasis on strengthening the child protection workforce—the frontline workers who provide direct care, support, and intervention for vulnerable children. Through the Sawasya programme, UNICEF and its partners are working to enhance protection services for the most at-risk children. This program promotes holistic, rights-based approaches that bridge legal, social, and psychological support. It fosters collaboration between government institutions, civil society, and international partners to create a safety net for children and other vulnerable groups.”

The diploma targets professionals working in all ministries and institutions involved in child protection, such as child protection counselors at the Ministry of Social Development, juvenile judges, family/juvenile police officers, juvenile prosecutors, and lawyers who work on children’s cases. It aims to strengthen the capacities of professionals at both social and legal levels and to support the establishment of a child-centered protection system. The program combines social work, child development, and legal frameworks, enabling professionals to deliver more effective and child-appropriate services.

Speaking on behalf of the Sawasya development partners, Ms. Annika Lysén, Consul for Human Rights and Democracy at the Consulate General of Sweden in Jerusalem, remarked: “Considering the extremely challenging and violent context we, as cooperation partners, see the Child Protection Professional Diploma as an important step to ensure a safer childhood for Palestinian children. In a complex and violent situation like this, social workers and other professionals like counselors, police officers and juvenile prosecutors all have a pertinent role to play. The Diploma will strengthen their professional capacity based on increased knowledge of how to enhance child protection.”

The program covers international child rights legislation, fundamental legal principles that protect children, and essential resources. It is delivered through interactive learning methods, including group work, open discussions, case studies, and research papers. Courses are taught by highly qualified lecturers and experts with extensive experience in child protection and human rights.

Professor Iman Saca, Vice President for Academic Affairs, addressed the graduates with a message urging them to uphold the ethical responsibility that comes with their diploma. She said: “Today, you are not only receiving a certificate, but also an ethical and professional responsibility. You are now in a position that qualifies you to be at the forefront of child protection in our society. Whether you work in education, health, social services, civil society organizations, or the police, your role is central and essential. You are the bridge between policy and practice, between hope and action.”