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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Cycles of Violence: Gender Relations and Armed Conflict

Judy El-Bushra and Ibrahim M. G. Sahl, 2005

Examines the impact of war on gender relations. Discusses the role of gender relations in creating conflict.

Protect or Neglect? Toward a More Effective United Nations Approach to the Protection of Internally Displaced Persons

Simon Bagshaw and Diane Paul, 2004

A paper that makes recommendations (based on field work) to the UN, NGOs and governments for a more effective international system to care for internally displaced persons.

Breaking the Silence: Girls Forcibly Involved in the Armed Struggle in Angola

Vivi Stavrou, 2004

A study on the experiences of girl soldiers in Angola before, during and after their participation in armed conflict. Includes recommendations for gender-specific responses.

Getting It Right, Doing It Right: Gender and Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration

Sarah Douglas, Vanessa Farr, Felicity Hill, and Wenny Kasuma, 2004

A model standard operating procedure designed to promote the integration of women’s needs into the planning and execution of DDR programming. Includes case studies, lessons learned, and practical guidance.

http://www.crin.org/docs/Getting_it_right.pdf

Implementing the Collaborative Response to Situations of Internal Displacement: Guidance for UN Humanitarian/Resident Coordinators and Country Teams

2004

A document with guidelines and the framework for a comprehensive and accurate response to the problem of displaced persons.

Summary Table of IHL Provisions Specifically Applicable to Children

ICRC, 2004

Summary table of provisions of international humanitarian law and other provisions of international law specifically applicable to children in war.

Inter-agency Guiding Principles on Unaccompanied and Separated Children

ICRC, UNHCR, UNICEF, Save the Children UK, and International Rescue Committee, 2004

A comprehensive framework to ensure that the rights and needs of separated children are effectively addressed. Guidelines aim to promote and support preparedness, coordination and good practice based on lessons learned. Addresses all aspects of an emergency from preventing separations, to family tracing and reunification, through to long-term solutions.

Child Protection: Children Without Parental Care

UNICEF, 2004

A brief fact sheet on the multilevel support needs of children without parental care. Includes a brief section on statistical data and examples of UNICEF action in several countries around the world.

Reaching the Girls: Study on Girls Associated with Armed Forces and Groups in the Democratic Republic of Congo

Beth Verbey - International Save the Children Alliance, CARE, IFESH, and International Rescue Committee, 2004

Studies the disproportionately low access of girls to formal DDR mechanisms in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Recommendations emphasize community-based approaches designed to specifically reach and support girls associated with armed groups.

A Fighting Chance: Guidelines and Implications for Programmes Involving Children Associated with Armed Groups and Armed Forces

Save the Children UK, 2004

A detailed policy framework for dealing with children associated with armed groups and armed forces. Includes a comprehensive annex outlining selected literature and useful websites.