HHIACADEMYHPCR

Challenges to the Protection of Children in Armed Conflict

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Date/Time:
October 22, 2009 - 9:30am - 11:00am
Location:
Online
Website:

https://hsphevents.webex.com/hsphevents/lsr.php?AT=pb&SP=EC&rID=1662477&...


Description:

Click here to view the recording

The vulnerabilities and needs specific to children are often made more acute by situations of armed conflict. The protection of children is a topic to which the international community has devoted significant attention, and is a thematic issue on the agenda of the United Nations Security Council.

As part of its groundbreaking Resolution 1612, the Security Council requested the establishment of a Monitoring and Reporting Mechanism (MRM) designed to improve the protection of children in armed conflict, notably through the collection and provision of “timely, objective, accurate and reliable information,” so that the Security Council’s capacity to take concrete responsive action is strengthened.

With the recent expansion through Resolution 1882 of the triggers for the MRM on grave violations, it is an opportune time to examine the successes of the MRM, as well as the challenges it faces. For instance, who are the key actors involved, how are they coordinated, and how might their contribution to the MRM complicate their presence on the ground in certain areas? What concrete steps are being taken to respond to violations and to combat impunity? How might action plans, “naming and shaming,” and targeted sanctions be employed more effectively?

Panelists:
Ms. Julia Freedson, Director, Watchlist on Children and Armed Conflict
Ms. Kathleen Hunt, UN Representative, CARE International
Ms. Lara Scott, Child Protection Specialist, UNICEF

Naz Modirzadeh, Senior Associate at the Program on Humanitarian Policy and Conflict Research, and Claude Bruderlein, Director of the Program, hosted the discussion.

Additional Resources on the topic are available on the International Humanitarian Law Research Initiative portal.


In partnership with:

The Federal Department for Foreign Affairs (FDFA) formulates and coordinates Swiss foreign policy on the instructions of the Federal Council. A coherent foreign policy is a precondition for the effective protection of Swiss interests vis-à-vis foreign countries.


Sida works according to directives of the Swedish Parliament and Government to reduce poverty in the world. The overall goal of Swedish development cooperation is to contribute to making it possible for poor people to improve their living conditions.