HHIACADEMYHPCR

Policy Workshop on Child Soldiers


Description:

Symposium Report On November 8th, 2002 the Harvard Program on Humanitarian Policy and Conflict Research organized a symposium on children and armed conflict in cooperation with the Coalition to Stop the Use of Child Soldiers and the Watchlist on Children and Armed Conflict, UNICEF, and the UNOSRSG on Children and Armed Conflict, with the support of the Human Security Network. This event was intended as lead-up to the UN Security Council thematic debate on children and armed conflict and as a substantive input into the Human Security Network’s ongoing work on this topic. The event brought together a variety of actors including representatives of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) working on child protection, members of the Human Security Network, the UN Security Council, young people from conflict areas, representatives from academic organizations, and staff of UN agencies. The goal of the day-long event was to discuss and further develop strategies for political actors with regard to the protection and rights of children in armed conflicts. Pointed lists of recommendations from this event are being delivered to the Security Council and the Human Security Network for development of their respective action on this topic. Key themes in the recommendations include: monitoring, documentation and follow-up; measures to stop the use of child soldiers; youth participation; the special rights and needs of girls; building local and regional capacity; diplomacy and creating political will; and humanitarian access and protection for children. The members elaborated on a common position to be presented during the UN Security Council debate on Children and War on 14 January 2003.


In partnership with:

The Coalition to Stop the Use of Child Soldiers works to prevent the recruitment and use of children as soldiers, to secure their demobilisation and to ensure their rehabilitation and reintegration into society.


Since the World Summit for Children, in 1990, the United Nations has increasingly sought to draw international attention to the horrendous plight of children affected by armed conflict. The Special Representative works with partners to propose ideas and approaches to enhance the protection of children and armed conflict and to promote a more concerted protection response.


UNICEF is mandated by the United Nations General Assembly to advocate for the protection of children's rights, to help meet their basic needs and to expand their opportunities to reach their full potential. They work in 190 countries through country programmes and National Committees.


As a global network, the Watchlist builds partnerships among local, national and international non-governmental organizations, enhancing mutual capacities and strengths. Working together, they strategically collect and disseminate information on violations against children in conflicts in order to influence key decision-makers to create and implement programs and policies that effectively protect children.