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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Adult Wars, Child Soldiers: Voices of Children Involved in Armed Conflict in the East Asia and Pacific Region

UNICEF, 2002

A qualitative evaluation of child soldiering in the East Asia and Pacific region based on accounts of current and former child soldiers. Includes comprehensive guidelines for interviewing children about their experiences with child soldiering.

Lives Apart: Family Separation and Alternative Care Arrangements during El Salvador's Civil War

Ralph Sprenkels, 2002

This report details the situation of disappearing children during the El Salvadorian civil war. It describes the process of tracing and reunifying children with their families, as well as alternative care arrangements for separated children.

HIV and Children Affected by Armed Conflict: A UNICEF Fact Sheet

UNICEF, 2002

Outlines links between HIV/AIDS and armed conflict, with emphasis on their joint impacts on children. Summarizes key priorities for dealing with HIV/AIDS, children, and conflict.

Addressing Gender Issues in Demobilization and Reintegration Programs

Nathalie de Watteville, 2002

Discusses the needs of women and girls during demobilization and reintegration programs and aims to identify strategized that minimize gender discrimination. Includes detailed recommendations and gender-sensitive suggestions for questionnaires.

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

The Rwandan Experience of Fostering Separated Children

Giorgia Dona, 2001

A report about a case-study in Rwanda documenting the practice of, and policies regarding, fostering (formal and informal). The study also explored the views of children in foster care, caretakers, agencies and local authorities regarding fostering.

Women and War: The Detention of Women in Wartime

Charlotte Lindsey, 2001

This article seeks to draw attention to some of the issues affecting women detainees and the applicable international humanitarian standards which afford them protection and assistance.

Action for the Rights of the Child (ARC): Child Development

Save the Children Alliance, UNHCR, UNICEF and OHCHR, 2001

Training materials on the threats to children’s development from displacement and armed conflict and other emergency situations. It includes guidance on strategies to promote children’s development in adverse conditions.

Action for the Rights of the Child (ARC): Working with Children

Save the Children Alliance, UNHCR, UNICEF and OHCHR, 2001

A training resource pack on skills for working effectively with children, particularly children in distress.

Foundations: Community Mobilisation: Resource Pack

Action for the Rights of Children, 2001

Discusses the importance, benefits and challenges to community mobilisation for refugees and other displaced persons, with a particular emphasis on children. Includes facilitators notes, participatory exercises, overheads, and handouts.

Youth: Care and Protection of Children in Emergencies: A Field Guide

Marc Sommers, 2001

An overview of the key challenges surrounding youth in crisis and the framework for dealing with these issues based on Save the Children principles in youth programming. Includes detailed examination of international programming examples.