OAFP 7095 - The Evolution of Child Protection Policies in the Context of Global Challenges and Transformations

This course offers a comprehensive introduction to the fundamentals of child protection systems in Europe and examines how international humanitarian work integrates child protection mechanisms in developing countries, particularly in West Africa. Structured in two modules, the course first explores the EU’s child protection agenda—covering topics such as digital safety, AI regulation, and deinstitutionalization reforms—before turning to the role of international organizations in responding to child vulnerability linked to poverty, gender-based violence, and conflict. Through a mix of theoretical analysis, case studies, and guest lectures, students will develop critical analytical frameworks and gain practical skills and strategies informed by real-world experiences in policymaking and service delivery.

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• The sessions will be both lecture and discussion based
• Sessions will link theoretical concepts with concrete case studies from both developed and developing countries
• Some sessions will include guest speakers
• Sessions will use videos, documentaries, power points as teaching support

Classes will be partly discussion-based and will include moderated group debates and student oral presentations.

Oral Presentations (40% of overall grade).

Students, working collaboratively in groups of two, will be assigned to prepare and give an approx.

15-20-minutes presentation on a question connected to the topic of that session. Students must present and critically assess the most important arguments related to the topic of the presentation. Acquiring public speaking skills is a fundamental part of the assignment.

Please keep in mind, that a summary of the presentation along with a bibliography should be distributed to the class before the beginning of the next session.

The rest of the class will be responsible to prepare questions. This is the time to discuss all notions covered in the lecture.

Mid-term Exam (30% of the overall grade).

Final exam (30% of overall grade): Role Play Empirical Research Task- In teams of four you will be asked to do some desk research, focus groups or/and interviews with representatives of different groups of stakeholders in order to get their input on the challenges of protecting children in the on- line space (threats linked to cyber security) and in the physical space (threats linked to climate change). You will be invited to submit a group paper or presentation with your fundings as a final exam. More details and information will be provided. Final Project Spring 2026

• Students will need to read one compulsory article before each session
• Students will be asked to prepare one group oral presentation
• Students will be asked to do small empirical research (as part of their final research paper)
• Students will be invited to participate in class discussion and debates