Children Affected by Armed Conflict and Displacement

Children are especially vulnerable to the effects of war, and frequently represent at least half of the population in a conflict area. They suffer fear and insecurity, and disruption to every aspect of their lives. Children who have been displaced are at an increased risk of sexual and physical violence, disease and malnutrition, and separation from family members. As displaced persons or refugees they may experience severe poverty, abuse, exploitation, and psychosocial distress.

Children without parental care in conflict areas are highly vulnerable to abduction or other forms of recruitment by armed forces and groups. Such children may be used to fight, provide labour or be sexually exploited. Involvement in conflict may result in malnutrition, abuse, addiction to drugs, injury, psychosocial distress or death. While children associated with armed forces and groups make up a small minority of the total number of children affected by war, they are extremely vulnerable and in need of particular protection and care.

Opportunities to help children who have been associated with fighting forces may begin with their escape, capture or formal demobilization. Some may be able immediately to reunite with family members, but others may need interim care during tracing. While children may be readily accepted by their family and community, others risk rejection. Family mediation and community sensitization is needed to support family reunification and community integration. Ongoing monitoring, family support services, and placement planning is necessary where children are not reunited with one or both parents or where family and community acceptance is uncertain.

Community action to protect and support war affected children should be inclusive and not limited to children formally associated with armed forces or any one group of children. National efforts should focus on the reestablishment of essential services, particularly in the areas of security, health and education.

While this section contains resources relevant for all children in conflict affected areas, it focuses on children without parental care, including refugees and displaced children, and children associated with armed forces and groups. It includes information on demobilisation, family reunification and community reintegration.

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The Paris Commitments: Consolidated Version

UNICEF, 01 Feb 2007

The Paris Commitments to protect children from unlawful recruitment or use by armed forces or armed groups. These principles revise and expand on the Cape Town Principles developed in 1997.

How-to Guide: Student Dropout Prevention and Response

Shkumbin Arifi, Vlora Kryeziu and Kaitlin Nelson - Catholic Relief Services, 2007

This Guide provides a number of practical strategies, tips and activities for working with stakeholders to prevent student dropout. Based on the work of CRS/Kosovo, this information is useful for other organizations and government bodies working on student dropout prevention and response within the region.

Independent Evaluation of Special Projects for Child Soldiers in the Democratic Republic of Congo

Development Alternatives, Inc., 2007

Evaluation of four child-focused DDR projects funded by the World Bank Multi-Country Trust Fund in the DRC. Includes detailed strategic analysis and recommendations.

http://www.crin.org/docs/Congo%20child%20D%20and%20R%20evaluation.pdf

Progress for Children: A World Fit for Children Statistical Review

UNICEF, 2007

UNICEF's global statistical report on progress against MDGs and other key child-focused indicators.

Free Children From War (Conference Detail): Paris, February 5 and 6, 2007

Agnes Romatet-Espagne, Marie-Charlotte Guichet, Maud Saheb, and Geoffry Keele, 2007

Introductory material for the Free Children From War conference held in February 2007 in Paris, France. Includes background, goals, and a short statistical summary detailing the achievements of care and reintegration programs since 1998. Lists the 1997 Cape Town Principles.

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Protecting Children from Sexual Exploitation and Sexual Violence in Disaster and Emergency Situations

Stephanie Delaney, ECPAT International, 01 Mar 2006

A practical guide for local and communtiy based organizations about how to protect children from sexual abuse and exploitation in disaster and emergency situations.

A Matter of Belonging

Christopher Bold, Mary Henderson, and Rachel Baggaley, 2006

A guide for faith-based organizations working in developing countries on issues related to orphans and vulnerable children. Contains examples of successful community-based and family support care programs throughout the world that are run by faith-based groups. Discourages the use of institutional care and orphanages.

Review of Save the Children's New Beginnings for Children Affected by Armed Conflict and Violence Program in Sri Lanka

John Williamson and Malia Robinson, 2006

An evaluation of a programme in Sri Lanka that aimed to resettle and reintegrate children affected by armed conflict, prevent and respond to child abuse, and develop community based alternatives to institutional care.

A Model for Community-Based Care for Children: Nkundabana

CARE , 2006

A lessons learned document reviewing impacts of a community-based care and mentoring program for child-headed households in Rwanda.

UNHCR Guidelines on Formal Determinations of the Best Interests of the Child

UNHCR, 2006

Guidelines for when and how to make a decision regarding the best interests of the child in the case of emergencies. Includes useful information for addressing unaccompanied and separated children including, temporary and alternative care arrangements, tracing and reunification, and child participation.