Protecting Children Amid Displacement
HI in coordination with the Child Protection Cluster and with support from UNICEF, distribute ID bracelet to families to reduce the risk of family separation during displacement.
A mother writes her phone number on an ID bracelet | © Khalil Nateel / HI
Chaos in Gaza
With over 90% of Gaza’s 2.3 million residents displaced due to ongoing conflict (UNICEF, August 2024), families are navigating unfamiliar, unstable, and dangerous environments.
Daily tasks—like fetching water or searching for food—are shared among all family members, including children. Sudden evacuations or renewed bombardments significantly heighten the risk of children becoming separated from their families.
“In a crisis situation like Gaza, a place can be evacuated in a second because of bombing, for example. The sudden displacement of a community is always chaotic. You may find yourself separated from your loved ones. Children are often lost. At least 17,000 children in the Gaza Strip have been separated from their families or are unaccompanied (Unicef, 2024). The population lives in terror of bombs, of having to flee amid the chaos, of losing their children in the rush. These bracelets enable lost children to ask for help and be found. But many parents also think that the bracelet will enable them to identify their child if he or she is killed in a bombing raid. It's terrible!”
HI oPt Country Manager Anne-Claire Yaeesh
ID bracelet to track children and vulnerable people
In response, HI and partners launched a distribution of bracelet as an effort to protect children and vulnerable individuals—including those with disabilities, communication challenges, or elderly family members—from being lost or separated. The initiative is taking place in Al-Burj Camp, Khan Yunis, in southern Gaza. Caregivers and families receive bracelet they can put on the person they take care of and write name, phone number in case they are lost.
To aware people of the risk without triggering more anxiety
Four awareness sessions were held, during which families received detailed guidance and hands-on support.
They were informed about the causes and risks of family separation in a calm and supportive setting that emphasized prevention without inciting fear. They were instructed on how to properly use the identity bracelets.
Parents and caregivers also received assistance in writing essential identification details—typically the child’s full name and a trusted contact number—directly onto the bracelets.
It was also important to reassure children who are already under a lot of stress and anxiety. Children were taught that the bracelet is a protective tool, not a warning sign. The messaging centred on safety and staying connected with loved ones.
Within the IE project alone, 380 bracelets have already been distributed over the course of two days. An additional 120 bracelets are scheduled for distribution during an upcoming session. In total, it is planned to distribute 1,000 bracelets.
