The risks of conflict impacting directly on children has greatly increased, but so too has the involvement of children in hostilities. All children associated with armed groups and armed forces are exposed to enormous risk and abuse. With children used in a variety of roles, as cooks, porters and spies, and for sexual services, this group is not limited to those directly engaged in fighting.
This paper outlines the critical issues for children associated with armed groups and forces. It argues that family unity and community-based approaches offer the best opportunity for durable reintegration and protection. Such approaches demand continued support during, and even long after, the end of violent conflict.
The report’s main recommendations to prevent child recruitment and promote the reintegration of children associated with armed actors, include:
- consistent use and allocation of resources in line with the Cape Town definition, recognising that all children associated with armed actors require protection, not just those that carry weapons
- developing an integrated approach to child protection which recognises that all children living in situations of armed conflict are affected and at risk of recruitment
- establishing increased recognition of and allocation of resources to meet the special requirements of girls associated with armed actors and their dependents
- building strategies to prevent recruitment, based on an informed understanding of the reasons for and forms of recruitment
- promoting processes which build upon girls and boys own insights, views and self-protection strategies and which strengthen their active role in society
- supporting ratification, implementation and monitoring of the Optional Protocol on the Involvement of Children in Armed Conflict as a minimum standard
- enforcing international legal obligations to demobilise children during ongoing conflict
- supporting sustained and inclusive community-based support for reintegration.
©Save the Children UK
