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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Children and DDR

Guidance on planning and implementation of child-specific disarmament, demobilization and reintegration (DDR) programming in a peacekeeping environment. Includes definitions, roles for child protection agencies, and key programming considerations on prevention of recruitment.

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.

Protecting Children During Emergencies in Nigeria: A Toolkit for Trainers

Emily Delap, Fred Kasozi and Denis Onoise, 2005

A comprehensive training toolkit for organizations and individuals who are directly involved in child protection and welfare during emergencies. Covers key topics related to children in emergencies, and includes learning points, classroom and field exercises, suggested itineraries and handouts.

Youth Speak Out: New Voices on the Protection and Participation of Young People Affected by Armed Conflict

Jane Lowicki, 2005

Discusses specific steps to expand on policy guidelines for youth protection and care. Includes list of additional practical resources.

Forgotten Casualties of War: Girls in Armed Conflict

Matt Hobson, 2005

Examines child protection issues for young girls associated with armed groups. Provides comprehensive policy recommendations.

Dealing with Alleged Child Collaborators in the Occupied Palestinian Territories in the Spirit of the Convention on the Rights of the Child

Defence for Children International – Palestine Section, 2005

Overviews the results from a workshop addressing child protection issues surrounding child collaboration in the Occupied Palestinian Territories.

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.