UNICEF has urged governments to ensure the safety and wellbeing of children amidst the intensifying socioeconomic fallout from the disease.

The UN children’s agency, together with its partners at the Alliance for Child Protection in Humanitarian Action, has released a set of guidance to support authorities and organisations involved in the response.

In a matter of months, COVID-19 has upended the lives of children and families across the globe, according to a media release issued from New York.

School closures and movement restrictions are disrupting children's routines and support systems. Stigma related to COVID-19 has left some children more vulnerable to violence and psychosocial distress.

At the same time, control measures that do not account for the gender-specific needs and vulnerabilities of women and girls may also increase their risk of sexual exploitation, abuse and child marriage.

Recent anecdotal evidence from China, for instance, points to a significant rise in cases of domestic violence against women and girls.

“In many ways, the disease is now reaching children and families far beyond those it directly infects,” said Cornelius Williams, UNICEF Chief of Child Protection.

“Schools are closing. Parents are struggling to care for their children and make ends meet. The protection risks for children are mounting. This guidance provides governments and protection authorities with an outline of practical measures that can be taken to keep children safe during these uncertain times.”

As part of the guidance, the Alliance is recommending that governments and protection authorities take concrete steps to ensure protection of children is integral to all COVID-19 prevention and control measures.