Children and youth in the Arab society in Israel face a reality characterized by extensive systemic gaps—educational, welfare-related, economic, and infrastructural—which increase their vulnerability. They also contend with unique challenges, including high levels of violence and crime that threaten their personal safety, as well as limited access to support and assistance services. Ensuring and promoting the rights of children and youth in the Arab society therefore requires targeted action and culturally and linguistically accessible services.
The NCC’s work with children and youth in the Arab society spans all its areas of activity, combining direct services for children and their families; youth participation in policymaking; policy advocacy; collaboration with Arab local authorities; and the development and dissemination of knowledge and data—all in linguistically and culturally adapted ways.
Within this framework:
- The NCC operates a dedicated Arabic-language Assistance and Support Center, which provides accessible and professional responses to children and their families on all matters related to their rights. The Center handles inquiries on a wide range of topics, including: safety and protection; situations of risk and distress; violence and sexual abuse; youth in conflict with the law; rights in education (including special education); physical and mental health; the digital environment; and more.
- The NCC operates an Assistance Center for Child and Youth Victims of Sexual and Violent Crime within the Arab society, providing continuous support throughout all stages of the criminal process, and helping children and their families navigate investigative and judicial procedures in Arabic, in a sensitive and adapted manner. The NCC accompanies children and youth from the moment a complaint is filed with the police until the conclusion of their case, offering a broad, holistic support system.
- The NCC conducts youth participation processes with youth from the Arab society on issues that directly affect their lives, including violence and crime in Arab communities; the impact of the war on children and youth in the Arab society; the right to privacy and protection in the digital environment; promoting healthy and beneficial nutrition; and more. The insights and recommendations of the youth serve as a central tool for developing tailored policies and responses at the national and local levels.
- The NCC advocates for policy related to children and youth in the Arab society and regularly participates in relevant Knesset committee discussions. In addition, the NCC takes part in professional forums, roundtables, and cross-sector initiatives addressing issues concerning children and youth in the Arab society (for example, the Taskforce to Combat Crime in Arab Society, and the “Awtaad” Forum for eliminating violence and crime).
- The NCC works on the ground in partnership with Arab local authorities across various projects and activities. This work focuses on embedding a holistic children’s rights approach in Arab society; strengthening youth’s right to participate in local decision-making; providing training for professionals and educational staff; conducting workshops for children and youth in schools; and making updated knowledge and data on the situation and needs of children and youth in the Arab society accessible, in order to strengthen the planning and decision-making capacities of municipalities.
- The NCC works to make information accessible to children and youth in the Arab society through social media, operating a dedicated Arabic-language Instagram account that provides clear and adapted information on children’s and youth rights. To visit us on Instagram – click here.
