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Child protection in Islamic contexts: identifying cultural and religious appropriate mechanisms and processes using a roundtable methodology

  • Aisha Hutchinson
    ,
  • Patrick J. O'Leary
    ,
  • Jason Squire
    ,
  • Kristen Hope
Research Output: Contribution to journal Article Peer-review

Abstract

This paper reports on a piece of research which brought together eight Islamic scholars, four child protection academics and two international development agencies to identify mechanisms and processes which safeguard children from harm that are congruent with Islamic scholarship and practices. Roundtable methodology was used to share knowledge, build networks and increase engagement with child protection by bringing together different stakeholders to share experiences and encourage collaboration in a relatively cost-effective manner. Four key themes were identified following initial qualitative data analysis of the roundtable discussion: (1) The convergence and divergence in Islamic thought on issues of child protection; (2) knowledge sharing and partnership working; (3) individual and collective wellbeing; and (4) mechanisms and tools for intervention. Findings from the roundtable indicate that a reliance on solely Western-based models does not allow for the trust and credibility that enable intervention at a deeper level in Islamic communities. Critically, the roundtable highlighted a significant gap in how Islamic knowledge and principles are practically applied to child protection policy and practice in international development contexts. Next steps are identified for building a knowledge base that can be practised in Islamic communities.

Publication Information

Output type

Research Output: Contribution to journal Article Peer-review

Original language

English

Pages from-to (Number of pages)

Pages 395-408

Journal (Volume, Issue Number)

Child Abuse Review (Volume 24, Issue 6)

Publication milestones

  • Published - 03/04/2014

Publication status

Published - 03/04/2014

ISSN

0952-9136

External Publication IDs

  • handle.net: 10547/621959
  • Scopus: 84897357792

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