A/HRC/19/63 (a) Coordination mechanisms 36. International organizations and aid agencies are also working to develop and implement cohesive inter-agency child protection responses at the field and global levels, both in policy and operational terms. The Child Protection Working Group (CPWG) 20 brings together and coordinates the work of the organizations and aid agencies in the child protection cluster to ensure a more predictable, accountable and effective child protection response in complex emergencies, disasters and other such situations. The working group seeks to support cohesive, inter-agency child protection responses at the field-level through global-level advocacy,21 standard and policy setting, capacity building and tooldevelopment initiatives, and considers itself primarily accountable to the beneficiaries. 22 It is unique among the cluster approach because of its diverse membership and mission to promote a comprehensive and specialized protection response. UNICEF is the focal point agency for child protection. While maintaining strong field action in the areas of health and child protection, it has also developed Core commitments for children in humanitarian actions (May 2010)23, providing a global framework for action by UNICEF and its partners. 37. The Global Protection Cluster Task Force on Protection in Natural Disaster Situations, led by the International Development Law Organization (IDLO), aims to ensure that procedures are in place for an effective, predictable and accountable protection capacity in situations of natural disaster. Among its activities, the task force may include the identification of specific protection challenges in disaster response for certain groups, such as children. 38. Although three global coordination mechanisms are currently in operation to combat trafficking,24 no such mechanism exists in relation to the sale of children. (b) Guidelines 39. CPWG provides practical guidance through its handbooks and toolkits on child protection in emergency situations. A CPWG task force is currently developing a set of minimum standards for child protection in emergencies on issues such as family tracing and reunification, child-friendly spaces and the reintegration of children. 25 40. Premised on the understanding that separation is preventable, the Inter-agency guiding principles on unaccompanied and separated children26 outline specific actions to be taken at the policy and field levels, and address prevention, family tracing and 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 CPWG was first formed as a sub-working group of the inter-agency Global Protection Cluster Working Group. It is comprised of CCF, Columbia University’s Child Protection Learning Network, International Rescue Committee, Save the Children Alliance, Terre des Hommes, Women’s Commission, World Vision, OCHA, UNHCR and UNICEF. Advocacy efforts seek to encourage increased awareness and funding commitments. Its primary objective is to “promote, protect and fulfil children’s rights to protection from abuse, exploitation and violence in emergencies as expressed in the Convention on the Rights of the Child, other human rights and humanitarian treaties and conventions, as well as national laws.” See Child Protection Working Group, Terms of reference, 2010. Available at http://www.unicef.org/publications/files/CCC_042010.pdf. The Inter-Agency Coordination Group against Trafficking in Persons; the United Nations Global Initiative to Fight Trafficking and the United Nations Global Plan of Action to Combat Trafficking in Persons. See http://resourcecentre.savethechildren.se/cpi/march-newsletter/minimum-standards-cpie/childprotection-working-group-aims-set-minimum-standard. Published by the International Committee of the Red Cross, the document advocates that all actions and decisions taken in relation to separated children must be founded on a protection framework that respects both the principles of family unity and the best interests of the child. 9