Child protection practices and attitudes of faith leaders across Senegal, Uganda, and Guatemala

This mixed-method study explored the role of faith leaders in child protection across Senegal, Uganda, and Guatemala, examining their practices, attitudes toward child rights, and views on physical punishment. Findings showed that while faith leaders in Uganda were most active in listening to children and reporting abuse, they also showed the highest acceptance of physical punishment. Overall, the study underscores the influential role faith leaders play in promoting children’s wellbeing, but also highlights the need for context-specific approaches that address differing cultural and religious perspectives. Strengthening community-based child protection efforts will require leveraging faith leaders’ influence while fostering alignment with child rights principles.