How We Implement Our Monitoring and Documentation

Our methodology prioritises accuracy, accountability, and impact, ensuring that the evidence we collect meaningfully contributes to protection outcomes on the ground—and policy change at the highest levels.

How We Implement Our Monitoring and Documentation!

Accuracy, Accountability, and Impact

At Child Guardians, we have developed a robust and principled monitoring and documentation system that enables us to track, verify, and respond to grave violations against children in conflict-affected areas. Our methodology prioritises accuracy, accountability, and impact, ensuring that the evidence we collect meaningfully contributes to protection outcomes on the ground—and policy change at the highest levels.

A Field-Driven Monitoring System

We operate a first-line reporting mechanism that enables immediate documentation of incidents as they occur. This field-based approach ensures real-time awareness and rapid response capabilities.

Once initial reports are collected, every case goes through a rigorous verification process. This step is essential to confirm the credibility and reliability of the evidence, especially in highly volatile or restricted areas.

We also conduct a comprehensive impact assessment for each incident, focusing on both the direct harm to children and the indirect consequences on civilian infrastructure such as schools, hospitals, and other essential services.

Led by Experienced Supervisors

Our monitoring and documentation team is led by experienced supervisors with over nine years of fieldwork. These specialists have undergone intensive training with both local and international institutions, including:

  • Justice Rapid Response (JRR)
  • Monitoring and Reporting Mechanism (MRM)
  • Syrian Legal Development Programme (SLDP)

Their expertise enables us to maintain high standards in documentation and uphold the ethical principles required for working in sensitive and high-risk contexts.

"Our team's expertise enables us to maintain high standards in documentation and uphold the ethical principles required for working in sensitive and high-risk contexts."

How the Data is Used

The information we collect is not just archived—it is mobilised to create real-world impact. We leverage our findings in several strategic ways:

  • Informing Decision-Makers Our verified data is shared with national and international stakeholders to highlight recurring patterns of grave violations. These reports play a critical role in shaping protection strategies and holding violators accountable.
  • Driving Advocacy Our documentation forms the basis of targeted advocacy messaging. Through these efforts, we seek to influence policies, mobilise action, and amplify the voices of affected children and communities.
  • Supporting Community Response Most importantly, our work feeds directly into community-level protection efforts. By aligning our findings with the immediate needs on the ground, we ensure that advocacy translates into tangible support for vulnerable populations.

Gaps and Limitations

Despite the strength of our monitoring system, coverage remains a significant challenge. Our current number of trained field observers is insufficient to document violations across all the areas where we operate. As a result, we believe the actual number of incidents is significantly higher than what we are currently able to observe, access, and verify.

By refining and scaling our monitoring efforts, we aim to enhance our ability to document violations accurately, support accountability, and strengthen protection for children and civilian infrastructure in the most vulnerable communities.

 

Our Child Rights Monitoring Program

We work to protect children in conflict zones by monitoring, documenting, and reporting grave violations. Our evidence informs international accountability mechanisms, strengthens advocacy, and drives protection responses that put children’s safety first.

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