Palestinian Maintenance Fund Hosts Social Child Protection Network Meeting in Ramallah to Strengthen Child Protection and Uphold Children’s Rights

Palestinian Maintenance Fund Hosts Social Child Protection Network Meeting in Ramallah to Strengthen Child Protection and Uphold Children’s Rights
Ramallah – 15 September 2026 – The Palestinian Maintenance Fund (PMF) hosted today, Tuesday, a meeting of the Social Child Protection Network in Ramallah and Al-Bireh Governorate at the Carmel Hotel in Ramallah, in cooperation with the Directorate of Social Development and with support from Sawasya 3: The Joint Programme to Enhance Access to Justice, implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The meeting aimed to strengthen coordination and joint action among partner institutions and to further develop response mechanisms for protecting children and ensuring their rights.

The meeting was opened by Ms. Hadeel Rabai, Director General of Legal Affairs at the Palestinian Maintenance Fund, and Dr. Khalil Tannous, Director of the Directorate of Social Development in Ramallah, with the participation of more than 30 representatives from governmental and civil society institutions. Speakers underscored the importance of bringing together the efforts of government institutions, civil society organizations, and community-based actors to help create a safe environment for children, strengthen their protection from violence, neglect, and exploitation, and ensure their access to the legal, social, and psychosocial services they need.

The meeting included a presentation on the legal, economic, and social services and programmes provided by the PMF, alongside an overview of the programmes delivered by the Directorate of Social Development. Mr. Dawoud Harish, Coordinator of the Child Protection Network, also presented a number of issues and challenges facing children and families. Participants discussed potential social, psychosocial, and legal interventions, with due consideration to the principles of confidentiality, privacy, and the protection of children’s data.

During the discussions, representatives of ministries, government institutions, and civil society organizations highlighted the importance of supporting families, particularly those facing greater economic and social challenges, and strengthening their capacity to provide children with a safe and supportive environment that upholds their best interests. Participants also discussed ways to strengthen institutional responses and coordinate mechanisms for identifying, referring, and following up on cases in accordance with established frameworks and procedures.

The meeting concluded with a number of recommendations, most notably strengthening direct coordination between the PMF, the Directorate of Social Development, and the Child Protection Network, and further developing referral and follow-up pathways. Participants also recommended strengthening the link between child protection and economic and social support and empowerment programmes for families facing greater risks or barriers, alongside raising community awareness and strengthening engagement with local communities to prevent abuse and neglect and support the continuity of services provided to children.