Strategic Partnership to Strengthen Child Protection System in Palestine

Strengthening the child protection system—especially for vulnerable groups—remains a national priority amid growing social and economic challenges, given its critical role in building a more cohesive and stable society. In this context, there is increasing emphasis on developing innovative, technology-based programs, alongside enhancing the capacities of professionals through practical, field-based training to improve service quality and ensure more effective case response.

This came during the signing of an agreement by Samah Hamad, Minister of Social Development, with Terre des Hommes Switzerland, aimed at strengthening joint cooperation in child protection and advancing related policies and systems, thereby expanding services for the most vulnerable groups.

Dr. Hamad highlighted the importance of redirecting children engaged in risky behaviors at an early age toward positive pathways, noting that they possess strong potential and intelligence that require proper guidance. She pointed to programming education as a successful model for empowering youth—particularly from marginalized backgrounds—by equipping them with advanced skills in coding, design thinking, and leadership, enabling them to enter the labor market at an early stage.

She added that the ministry is working to enhance training and qualification mechanisms for its staff by focusing on on-the-job training, involving experts in the field, and accompanying social workers during real case management. This approach aims to improve service quality and strengthen adherence to professional procedures. She also stressed that staff continue to perform their duties despite economic challenges, driven by professional and humanitarian commitment, while noting the need to reinforce compliance with procedures and reduce errors caused by workload pressures.

The ministry also reviewed its efforts to expand services, including plans to operationalize new centers in Nablus and Halhul, despite limited resources, as part of its efforts to improve access and broaden social protection coverage.

The signing ceremony was attended on behalf of the Ministry of Social Development by Akram Al-Hafi, Assistant Undersecretary for Family Care and Protection; Doaa Wadi; and Mohammad Al-Qarm, Director General of the General Directorate of Childhood. Representing Terre des Hommes Switzerland were Tomas Pokor, Country Representative in Palestine (via video conference), along with Felicia Adeeb Saleh, Program Manager, and Mona Abu Sneineh, Access to Justice Specialist.

For his part, Tomas Pokor expressed pride in the ongoing partnership with the Ministry of Social Development, noting that TDH has been operating in Palestine for over 15 years, focusing on supporting children and strengthening protection systems in close collaboration with the ministry. He highlighted key joint achievements, including the development of child protection policies, training staff on their implementation, contributing to the update of the national referral system, and supporting centers through improved facilities and diverse training programs and activities for children.

Pokor added that this agreement represents an additional step toward deepening cooperation by improving the legislative and regulatory environment for child protection and strengthening community-based protection mechanisms, ensuring sustainable impact on children’s lives in Palestine.

At the conclusion of the meeting, both parties reaffirmed their commitment to continued collaboration and coordination to further develop the child protection system in Palestine and expand services for the most vulnerable groups, ensuring a tangible and lasting impact on children and beneficiary families.