Children and Armed Conflict

From Outrage to Effective Action: Protecting the security and rights of children

In her paper, Kathy Vandergrift discusses the context were children have become targets and active participants as well as unintended victims of armed conflicts. They also represent the majority of civilians impacted by war. Vandergrift suggests the need to move from child welfare to child rights framework. That would make the security for children a matter of international peace and security, not just a charity cause, argues Vandergrift. As concrete issues the paper emphasizes the right of children to access humanitarian assistance and education in emergencies, demands control in trafficking in small arms and suggests a role for young people in disarmament, demobilization and reintegration.

Resources Article on Children and Armed Conflict [Word file]