Children in Armed Conflict
Expert-defined terms from the Global Certificate Course in Humanitarian Law, Ethics, and Human Rights course at UK School of Management. Free to read, free to share, paired with a globally recognised certification pathway.
Children in Armed Conflict #
Children in Armed Conflict
Children in armed conflict refer to individuals under the age of 18 who are affe… #
They may be directly involved in hostilities as child soldiers, or they may be impacted by the consequences of conflict as civilians. Children in armed conflict are one of the most vulnerable populations, facing various risks to their physical, emotional, and psychological well-being.
Child Soldiers #
Child Soldiers
Child soldiers are individuals under the age of 18 who are recruited or used by… #
The use of child soldiers is a serious violation of international humanitarian law and human rights law. Child soldiers are often exposed to extreme violence, forced to commit atrocities, and deprived of their rights to education and a normal childhood.
International Humanitarian Law (IHL) #
International Humanitarian Law (IHL)
International humanitarian law, also known as the law of war or the law of armed… #
IHL applies to both international and non-international armed conflicts and regulates the conduct of parties to the conflict. It aims to minimize human suffering during times of war by establishing rules for the protection of civilians, prisoners of war, and other vulnerable groups.
Geneva Conventions #
Geneva Conventions
The Geneva Conventions are a series of four international treaties that establis… #
The Conventions were adopted in 1949 and are considered the cornerstone of IHL. They set out the rights of wounded and sick combatants, prisoners of war, and civilians in times of war. The Geneva Conventions have been ratified by almost all countries in the world and are universally recognized as customary international law.
Child Protection #
Child Protection
Child protection refers to the measures taken to prevent and respond to violence… #
In the context of armed conflict, child protection efforts focus on ensuring the safety and well-being of children affected by war. This includes providing psychosocial support, reintegration services for former child soldiers, family tracing and reunification, and access to education and healthcare.
Child Rights #
Child Rights
Child rights are the human rights of children, as enshrined in the United Nation… #
These rights include the right to survival, development, protection, and participation. Children have the right to be protected from all forms of violence, exploitation, and abuse, including in situations of armed conflict. Child rights also encompass the right to education, healthcare, and a standard of living adequate for their physical, mental, spiritual, moral, and social development.
United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) #
United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC)
The CRC is an international human rights treaty that outlines the civil, politic… #
It was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 1989 and has been ratified by almost every country in the world. The CRC sets out the fundamental rights of children and places an obligation on states parties to ensure that these rights are respected, protected, and fulfilled. It is the most widely ratified human rights treaty in history.
Child Protection in Armed Conflict #
Child Protection in Armed Conflict
Child protection in armed conflict refers to the efforts to safeguard the rights… #
This includes preventing the recruitment and use of child soldiers, providing assistance to children who have been separated from their families, ensuring access to education and healthcare, and promoting the reintegration of former child soldiers into their communities. Child protection in armed conflict is essential for upholding the rights of children and preventing further harm to vulnerable populations.
Child Recruitment #
Child Recruitment
Child recruitment is the process by which children are forcibly or voluntarily e… #
Child recruitment is a grave violation of international humanitarian law and human rights law. Children who are recruited into armed groups are often subjected to physical and psychological abuse, deprived of their rights to education and family life, and exposed to the dangers of armed conflict.
Child Trafficking #
Child Trafficking
Child trafficking is the recruitment, transportation, transfer, harboring, or re… #
In the context of armed conflict, children are often trafficked for use as child soldiers, sex slaves, or forced laborers. Child trafficking is a serious violation of human rights and is considered a form of modern slavery. Efforts to combat child trafficking include prevention, protection, prosecution, and partnership strategies to address this heinous crime.
Child Protection Policies #
Child Protection Policies
Child protection policies are guidelines and procedures that organizations, gove… #
In the context of armed conflict, child protection policies may include measures to prevent the recruitment of child soldiers, provide psychosocial support to children affected by war, and promote the reintegration of former child soldiers into their communities. Child protection policies are essential for upholding the rights of children and ensuring their safety in times of conflict.
Child Advocacy #
Child Advocacy
Child advocacy refers to the efforts to promote and protect the rights of childr… #
Child advocates work to ensure that children's voices are heard, their rights are respected, and their needs are met. In the context of armed conflict, child advocates play a crucial role in raising awareness about the impact of war on children, advocating for their protection, and holding perpetrators accountable for violations of child rights.
Child Protection Mechanisms #
Child Protection Mechanisms
Child protection mechanisms are systems and structures that are put in place to… #
In the context of armed conflict, child protection mechanisms may include child helplines, child-friendly spaces, community-based child protection networks, and child protection committees. These mechanisms aim to provide children with access to support, services, and justice in situations where their rights are at risk or have been violated.
Child #
Friendly Spaces
Child #
friendly spaces are safe and supportive environments that are designed to meet the needs of children affected by emergencies, including armed conflict. These spaces provide children with access to psychosocial support, recreational activities, education, and protection services. Child-friendly spaces offer a sense of normalcy and routine for children in crisis situations, helping them cope with the trauma of war and rebuild their lives in a nurturing and empowering environment.
Child Participation #
Child Participation
Child participation refers to the right of children to express their views, be h… #
In the context of armed conflict, child participation is essential for ensuring that children's perspectives, experiences, and needs are taken into account in peacebuilding, humanitarian response, and conflict resolution efforts. Empowering children to participate in decision-making processes can lead to more effective and sustainable outcomes that prioritize their well-being and rights.
Child Welfare #
Child Welfare
Child welfare refers to the well #
being and protection of children from harm, abuse, and neglect. It encompasses ensuring that children have access to essential services, such as healthcare, education, shelter, and nutrition, and are provided with a safe and nurturing environment to grow and develop. In the context of armed conflict, child welfare is a critical concern, as children are at heightened risk of violence, exploitation, and trauma. Efforts to promote child welfare in conflict-affected areas focus on providing children with the support and services they need to thrive despite the challenges they face.
Child Mental Health #
Child Mental Health
Child mental health refers to the emotional, psychological, and social well #
being of children. Mental health issues among children can arise from various factors, including exposure to violence, loss of loved ones, displacement, and other traumatic experiences, such as those encountered in armed conflict. Children affected by war may experience anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and other mental health conditions that can have long-lasting effects on their development and well-being. Addressing child mental health in conflict-affected settings requires specialized interventions and support services to help children cope with their experiences and recover from trauma.
Child Rights Violations #
Child Rights Violations
Child rights violations are actions or omissions that infringe upon the fundamen… #
In the context of armed conflict, child rights violations may include the recruitment of child soldiers, attacks on schools and hospitals, sexual violence, forced displacement, and denial of access to humanitarian assistance. Child rights violations have severe consequences for children's well-being and development and can result in lasting physical, emotional, and psychological harm. Efforts to prevent and address child rights violations in conflict settings are essential for protecting children and upholding their rights under international law.
Reintegration of Child Soldiers #
Reintegration of Child Soldiers
The reintegration of child soldiers is the process of reintegrating former child… #
Reintegration programs for child soldiers aim to provide psychosocial support, education, vocational training, and livelihood opportunities to help children transition from military life to civilian life. Successful reintegration requires a holistic approach that addresses the complex needs of former child soldiers and promotes their well-being, social inclusion, and long-term recovery.
Child Protection Challenges #
Child Protection Challenges
Child protection challenges refer to the obstacles and difficulties faced in ens… #
These challenges may include lack of access to children in conflict zones, insufficient resources for child protection programs, stigma and discrimination against children associated with armed groups, and inadequate coordination among humanitarian actors. Addressing child protection challenges in conflict settings requires a multi-sectoral and coordinated approach that prioritizes the needs and rights of children and strengthens child protection systems.
Child #
Centered Approaches
Child #
centered approaches are strategies and practices that prioritize the rights, well-being, and perspectives of children in decision-making processes and service delivery. In the context of armed conflict, child-centered approaches emphasize the active participation of children in programs and interventions that affect them, ensuring that their voices are heard, their needs are addressed, and their rights are respected. Child-centered approaches promote the empowerment of children, foster their resilience, and contribute to more effective and sustainable outcomes in child protection and humanitarian response.
Child Protection Monitoring and Reporting Mechanisms #
Child Protection Monitoring and Reporting Mechanisms
Child protection monitoring and reporting mechanisms are systems and processes t… #
These mechanisms help identify risks to children, monitor compliance with child protection standards, and document incidents of abuse, exploitation, and violence against children. Monitoring and reporting mechanisms play a crucial role in holding perpetrators of child rights violations accountable, advocating for the protection of children, and informing evidence-based responses to address child protection concerns in conflict-affected areas.
Child Protection Coordination #
Child Protection Coordination
Child protection coordination refers to the efforts to ensure effective collabor… #
Coordinated child protection responses aim to streamline efforts, avoid duplication of services, and maximize the impact of interventions to safeguard children's rights and well-being. Child protection coordination mechanisms facilitate information-sharing, joint planning, and collective advocacy to address the diverse needs and challenges faced by children affected by war.
Child Protection Training #
Child Protection Training
Child protection training is the process of equipping humanitarian workers, gove… #
Child protection training covers topics such as child rights, child protection principles, child-friendly approaches, psychosocial support, case management, and reporting mechanisms. Training on child protection ensures that frontline responders are prepared to identify, respond to, and prevent child rights violations in conflict-affected areas, contributing to the effective protection of children in emergencies.
Child Protection Advocacy #
Child Protection Advocacy
Child protection advocacy involves promoting the rights and interests of childre… #
Child protection advocates work to raise public awareness about the impact of war on children, mobilize support for child protection initiatives, and influence policies and practices to better protect children in conflict settings. Child protection advocacy plays a crucial role in ensuring that children's rights are respected, their voices are heard, and their needs are prioritized in humanitarian response and peacebuilding efforts.
Child Protection Interventions #
Child Protection Interventions
Child protection interventions are actions and programs that are implemented to… #
These interventions may include psychosocial support, case management, family tracing and reunification, education and vocational training, legal assistance, and community-based protection mechanisms. Child protection interventions aim to address the unique needs and vulnerabilities of children affected by war, promote their well-being and resilience, and ensure their rights are upheld in accordance with international legal standards.
Child Protection Laws and Policies #
Child Protection Laws and Policies
Child protection laws and policies are legal frameworks and guidelines that gove… #
In the context of armed conflict, child protection laws and policies set out the obligations of states parties to prevent child recruitment, provide assistance to child victims of war, and hold perpetrators of child rights violations accountable. These laws and policies are essential for upholding the rights of children in conflict-affected areas and ensuring that they are protected from harm and provided with support and services to promote their well-being and development.
Child Protection Standards #
Child Protection Standards
Child protection standards are principles and guidelines that define the minimum… #
These standards establish the norms and best practices for preventing and responding to child rights violations, including child recruitment, sexual exploitation, and attacks on schools and hospitals. Child protection standards are based on international legal instruments, such as the CRC and the Optional Protocol on the Involvement of Children in Armed Conflict, and provide a framework for designing, implementing, and evaluating child protection programs and interventions in conflict settings.
Child Protection Risks #
Child Protection Risks
Child protection risks refer to the threats and vulnerabilities faced by childre… #
These risks may include recruitment into armed groups, sexual abuse, forced displacement, separation from families, and lack of access to essential services. Child protection risks are heightened during times of war, when children are exposed to increased violence, insecurity, and instability. Identifying and mitigating child protection risks is essential for safeguarding children's well-being and ensuring their rights are protected in conflict-affected areas.
Child Protection Best Practices #
Child Protection Best Practices
Child protection best practices are approaches, strategies, and interventions th… #
These best practices are based on evidence, research, and experience and provide guidance for designing and implementing child protection programs and initiatives. Child protection best practices may include community-based child protection mechanisms, child-friendly approaches, survivor-centered services, and child participation strategies that empower children and promote their resilience in the face of adversity.
Child Protection Programming #
Child Protection Programming
Child protection programming refers to the planning, implementation, monitoring,… #
Child protection programs aim to address the diverse needs and vulnerabilities of children affected by war, including psychosocial support, case management, family tracing and reunification, education and livelihood opportunities, and legal assistance. Child protection programming is essential for promoting the well-being and resilience of children in conflict-affected areas and ensuring that their rights are upheld in accordance with international legal standards.
Child Protection Monitoring and Evaluation #
Child Protection Monitoring and Evaluation
Child protection monitoring and evaluation are processes that are used to assess… #
Monitoring involves collecting data, tracking progress, and identifying challenges and gaps in child protection responses. Evaluation entails analyzing the outcomes, achievements, and sustainability of child protection initiatives to inform decision-making and improve future programming. Monitoring and evaluation help ensure that child protection interventions are evidence-based, accountable, and responsive to the needs of children affected by war.
Child Protection Information Management #
Child Protection Information Management
Child protection information management involves the collection, storage, analys… #
Information management systems help humanitarian actors, government agencies, and civil society organizations track child protection risks, monitor compliance with child protection standards, and document incidents of abuse, exploitation, and violence against children. Child protection information management supports evidence-based decision-making, advocacy, and programming to address the diverse needs and challenges faced by children in conflict-affected areas.
Child Protection Referral Pathways #
Child Protection Referral Pathways
Child protection referral pathways are systems and procedures that are establish… #
Referral pathways facilitate coordination among child protection actors, streamline access to specialized care, and ensure that children receive timely and comprehensive assistance. Child protection referral pathways help address the complex needs of children in crisis situations and promote their safety, well-being, and recovery in accordance with international legal standards.
Child Protection Case Management #
Child Protection Case Management
Child protection case management is a structured process that is used to assess,… #
Case management involves identifying the needs and strengths of children, developing tailored care plans, coordinating services, and monitoring progress to ensure that children receive appropriate support and protection. Child protection case management is a holistic approach that focuses on the well-being and rights of children and aims to promote their safety, resilience, and recovery in times of crisis.
Child Protection Reporting Mechanisms #
Child Protection Reporting Mechanisms
Child protection reporting mechanisms are systems and procedures that are establ… #
Reporting mechanisms may include hotlines, complaint boxes, community-based networks, and online platforms that allow individuals to document incidents of abuse, exploitation, and violence against children. Child protection reporting mechanisms help raise awareness about child protection concerns, facilitate timely responses to violations, and hold perpetrators of child rights violations accountable for their actions.
Child Protection Accountability #
Child Protection Accountability
Child protection accountability refers to the responsibility of duty bearers, in… #
Accountability mechanisms may include legal frameworks, oversight bodies, monitoring and reporting mechanisms, and redress mechanisms that hold perpetrators of child rights violations accountable for their actions and provide remedies to child victims. Child protection accountability is essential for promoting justice, transparency, and respect for children's rights in times of war.
Child Protection Capacity Building #
Child Protection Capacity Building
Child protection capacity building involves strengthening the knowledge, skills,… #
Capacity building initiatives may include training, mentoring, technical assistance, and resource mobilization to enhance the capacity of child protection actors to address the diverse needs and challenges faced by children affected by war. Child protection capacity building is essential for improving the quality, efficiency, and sustainability of child protection responses and ensuring that children's rights are upheld in accordance with international legal standards.
Child Protection Mainstreaming #
Child Protection Mainstreaming
Child #
Child