Advocacy strategies utilized by the United Nations in support of “Protecting the Rights of Children on the Move in Times of Crisis”

Author

Faculty of Mass Communication, Sinai University, Kantra Branch

Abstract

This research aims to identify and analyze the advocacy strategies for protecting the rights of children on the move during crises, as sponsored by the United Nations and its partners, and to assess their effectiveness. Using a descriptive approach, the study examines advocacy content on the official United Nations website from May to December 2023 through analytical survey methodology and content analysis.
The results show that the advocacy is "international" due to its global focus and coordination among multiple international entities. The targeted Children's Atlas focus on a global geographical scale as a focal point, including several countries in Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe, South, and North America. The advocacy primarily targets children displaced by crises rather than those affected by war or conflict. Efforts are directed at national, regional, local, and international stakeholders, using tactics such as joint advocacy briefs, global approaches, and calls to strengthen national protection systems for displaced children.
Social networking involves coordinated partnerships to ensure a comprehensive response, adopting a cooperative approach. Targeted decision-makers include national governments and policymakers at various levels. Advocacy forms include briefs, campaigns background, public service announcements, infographics, and YouTube videos, utilizing narrative storytelling, audiovisual materials, data presentation, and social media.
Findings reveal a balanced narrative strategy combining logical appeals, data, and humanitarian motifs to evoke empathy and personal impact. Endorsement by various UN entities and international partners is a prominent strategy, enhancing credibility and trust. However, the advocacy notably neglects the crisis of Palestinian displaced children.

Keywords


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