UNICEF MÉXICO
Technical consultancy for the web development of 'Por Tus Derechos'
The project
The client, UNICEF Mexico, in collaboration with the Federal Attorney's Office for the Protection of Children and Adolescents (PFPNNA) and the National System for the Integral Development of the Family (SNDIF), faced several critical challenges related to the management and dissemination of data on the protection and restitution of the rights of children and adolescents in Mexico. The key issues are detailed below:
- Data fragmentation: The existing information system was composed of several administrative registers(Right to Live as a Family, National Register of Social Assistance Centres, Register of Children and Adolescents in the Context of Human Mobility), each with its own functionalities and limitations. The lack of interoperability between these registers made comprehensive analysis and data visualisation difficult.
- Lack of public accessibility: except for the National Register of Social Assistance Centres, the information collected was not easily accessible to the public. This contravened the principles of transparency and publicity, limiting access to crucial statistics on the actions implemented by the authorities to protect children.
- Technological limitations: existing registries lacked advanced functionalities such as data mining, automatic visualisations and digital user management, which are essential for the analysis of large volumes of data and the clear presentation of information to the public.
- Need for a public website: there was an urgent need to develop a website that would allow the visualisation of data in tabular and graphical form, thus facilitating access to relevant information for anyone interested.
- Information Management: a tool was needed to consolidate and process information efficiently, ensuring the protection of personal data while maintaining transparency in the dissemination of statistical data.
These problems reflect the complexity of managing sensitive information and the need for a unified and accessible system that allows for efficient and transparent management of data related to the rights of children and adolescents in Mexico.
Challenges
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Centralise and make accessible all records.
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Ensure the protection of personal data.
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Design an intuitive and aesthetic website.
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Implement advanced data mining functionalities
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Facilitate the downloading of data in multiple formats
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Create clear and understandable visualisations.
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Develop a management panel for users
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Ensure interoperability between different registers.
The solution
Izertis presented a comprehensive solution to update and improve the 'Por tus Derechos' platform, with the aim of more effectively managing information related to child protection in Mexico. The main components of the proposal are highlighted below:
- Integrating New Registers and Improving Interoperability: it was proposed to incorporate new registers, including the Register of Children and Adolescents in the Context of Human Mobility (RMH), the National Register of Social Assistance Centres (RNCAS) and the Register of the Right to Live in a Family (DVF). The key to this integration was to ensure that all records could communicate with each other, facilitating a cohesive and centralised flow of information.
- Development of an Efficient Public and Backend Web Platform: Izertis proposed the creation of a user-friendly public website, where statistical data can be accessed and presented in a clear and accessible way. In addition, a robust backend was designed that allows the management of roles and users, as well as the exploitation of data through analysis and data mining tools (KPIs), all based on the Drupal 10 platform. This technological approach ensures a reliable and adaptable environment.
- User Specific Management: the proposal included a defined structure for the different user types, such as Superadmin (DTI), Superadmin (DGCP), Capturist, Supervisor and Administrator. Each of these roles has specific permissions, allowing for proper and secure control of data on the platform. This differentiation is essential to ensure that each user has access only to relevant information.
- Use of Modern and Reliable Technology: it was decided to use Drupal 10 as the technological base, known for its flexibility and modularity, as well as having a large support community. The system would be hosted on servers running Apache 2.4.x, using PHP 8.1.6 or higher, Composer 2.3.6 or higher and MySQL 5.7 or higher databases. This technological framework ensures a smooth and scalable operation.
- Data Protection and Transparency: Izertis also stressed the importance of protecting the privacy of personal data, ensuring that all sensitive information is handled according to the highest security standards. In addition, the proposal sought to ensure transparency by allowing the public to access relevant data on child protection in the country.
The result
The modernisation of the Information System"For your Rights: Niñas, Niños y Adolescentes Protegidos", carried out by Izertis, has had a notable impact on child protection in Mexico, complementing and strengthening UNICEF' s work to improve the living conditions of minors.
One of the most important developments is the improvement in the accessibility and transparency of information. The new website provides clear and direct access to crucial data on the administrative records of the National System for the Integral Development of the Family (SNDIF). With information now available in tabular formats, graphs and interactive maps, it is much easier to understand the status and conditions of children in the country. This transparency allows UNICEF and other organizations to more effectively monitor and evaluate the impact of policies and actions aimed at protecting the rights of children and adolescents.
In addition, the platform has strengthened analytics and decision making by including advanced data mining and reporting functionalities. The registers of Right to Live as a Family, Social Assistance Centres and Context of Human Mobility now allow for better interpretation and use of the information. This facilitates the identification of emerging patterns and needs, supporting UNICEF in developing more effective strategies and programmes to improve living conditions and ensure comprehensive protection for vulnerable children.
Optimisation of information and user management has also been key. With a robust administration panel, the platform ensures efficient and secure management of records. The clear definition of roles and permissions minimises the risk of errors and improves the operability of the system. This strengthens SNDIF's capacity to effectively coordinate assistance efforts and collaborate with UNICEF and other entities in the implementation of actions and policies focused on the best interests of children.
Finally, the attractive and functional design of the new platform facilitates its use by the general public. This approach not only improves participation and access to information, but also helps to raise community awareness of child protection. The integration of key records into a single platform provides a comprehensive view of actions and measures to protect children's rights, allowing for more effective coordination between SNDIF, UNICEF and other organisations. This consolidation promotes a more coherent and comprehensive approach to child protection and rights restitution.
Presentation of the platform ‘Por tus derechos’ to the Procuradurías.