Model National Response in practice: case studies from Indonesia, Kenya, Romania and Guatemala  

WeProtect Global Alliance’s Model National Response (MNR) framework is a tool which supports countries and organisations strengthen their response to prevent and tackle child sexual exploitation and abuse. The MNR uses a whole systems approach to support change across sectors, to shift the current trajectory, identify gaps and strengthen the current response.   

In our recent webinar, WeProtect Global Alliance Executive Director, Iain Drennan opened by presenting an overview of how the MNR works and can be used in practice, using the three key tools: the MNR Framework, the Maturity Model and the Self-Assessment tool available via our website. 

A panel of expert speakers from Alliance member the International Centre for Missing and Exploited Children (ICMEC) then presented case studies highlighting how the Model National Response and ICMEC’s capacity tools have been used to drive change in Indonesia, Kenya, Romania and Guatemala.  

Pilar Ramírez, ICMEC Vice President of Capacity Building highlighted the need for cross-collaboration across sectors including law enforcement, social services and technology sectors. She shared how ICMEC has used capacity assessment tools and gap analyses (which use the MNR as a base) to understand the specific nature of the issue across different regions. 

Rizki Inderawansyah, ICMEC Country Director in Indonesia, explored the challenges of implementing a coordinated response across a dispersed geographical region and how they have focussed on implementing an effective criminal justice response to the issue. 

Presenting a case study from Kenya, Athena Morgan, ICMEC Regional Project Manager (Africa) showed how the MNR assessment has been used to identify gaps in law enforcement and victim support responses and enabled them to focus on delivering training targeting judiciary officers.  

Irina Năstase, ICMEC National Program Manager in Romania discussed how they have focussed on enhancing child sexual exploitation hotlines and improving law enforcement. Irina stressed the need for greater public awareness and education as part of the coordinated response to tackle the issue.  

Byron Velásquez , ICMEC National Manager in Guatemala, examined legislative reforms that have strengthened the response to child sexual abuse in Guatemala, including the criminalisation of online grooming and exploitation. Similarly, to Romania, they also identified a need for better public awareness of the issue in addition to a more formal protection system for children.  

WeProtect Global Alliance Executive Director Iain Drennan said the MNR is a key tool and resources for helping countries to shape their response to child sexual exploitation and abuse online.  

“ICMEC’s work clearly demonstrates the type of progress which can be made by taking a holistic view to understand both strengths and areas for improvement. The webinar also highlighted the importance of a co-ordinated, global response which uses solutions that are tailored to specific country contexts and the specific challenges being faced in different regions. We look forward to providing ongoing support to our Alliance members in using the MNR framework and tools,” he said. 

If you are interested in future Alliance webinars, please visit our events page for more details.