Conferences
2024
23 JANUARY 2024
HIGH LEVEL CONFERENCE
The Protection of Children in Armed Conflict: a Multinational Strategy to Protect Children from Armed Conflict
European Parliament, Bruxelles
This conference, co-organised by the Universities Network for Children in Armed Conflict (UNETCHAC) and the European Parliament Intergroup on Children's Rights, aimed to highlight the importance of a joint multi-level commitment in finding solutions to strengthen the protection of children affected by armed conflict around the world.
Representatives from the European Union, United Nations and International Criminal Court together with Representatives of the Academic Community took part in this initiative to identify together common and interconnected lines of action to protect and prevent the violation of children’s rights.
The participation in the event of students and young researchers, some of whom coming from areas of conflict, bore witness to the importance of integrating young people in policymaking and in the public debate.
During this event, UNETCHAC presented its project activities together with the contents of the report “The European Guidelines and the International Humanitarian Law. Implementing the EU Guidelines on Promoting Compliance with International Humanitarian Law in relation to children in armed conflict”, result of a study conducted by a group of experts of the Network, proposing recommendations on how the existing Guidelines could be completed in order to enhance the European Union’s action with respect to children in armed conflict.
Download the full PROGRAMME
Watch the full conference HERE
2023
11 DECEMBER -2023
SIDE EVENT
WHAT IS THE FUTURE OF CHILDREN IN ARMED CONFLICTS?
United Nations Headquarters, NY – United Nations Plaza, Room CR-9 UNHQ
Co-organized by the Permanent Mission of the Democratic Republic of Congo to the UN, the Permanent Mission of Italy to UN, the Universities Network for Children in Armed Conflict, the Fondation Congolaise pour la Promotion des Droits humains et la Paix and the Institute of Political Studies “S. Pio V”
within the project “National Action Plans on United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 and the impact of armed conflicts on children: study and analysis of the International Universities Network”, supported by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation
10 NOVEMBER 2023
INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE
"The Impact of Armed Conflict on Children, Boys and Girls.
Research and Study on the Legal and Social Aspects"
New Hall of the Parliamentary Groups (Italian House of Representatives)
10:30 a.m (CET) and in virtual modality.
The event will be the occasion to present the results of the Project, carried out by #UNETCHAC, in collaboration with the Istituto di studi politici “S. Pio V”, supported by Ministero degli Affari Esteri e della Cooperazione Internazionale with the participation of Representatives of the Italian and International Institutions, #UNETCHAC worldwide professors and researchers, NGOs representatives and the involvement of Italian students.
The UNETCHAC International Award 2023 and the UNETCHAC scholarships 2023 delivery will conclude the Conference
3 NOVEMBER 2023
INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE
"The National Action Plans on UNSCR 1325 and the impact of armed conflicts on children"
Universidad Santiago de Cali, COLOMBIA
9.00 am (GMT -5)
Organized by UNETCHAC and the Institute of Political Studies "S. Pio V", supported by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation
Link to the meeting: https://rb.gy/onily
Watch the full conference HERE
18 OCTOBER 2023
INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE
"The National Action Plans on UNSCR 1325 and the impact of armed conflicts on children"
TANGAZA University, NAIROBI
10.00 am – 5.30 pm (GMT+3)
Organized by UNETCHAC and the Institute of Political Studies "S. Pio V", supported by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation
With the participation, of illustrious Speakers, among them:
- Mr. Jonas Yawovi Dzinekou, Director of Social Studies at the Institute of Social Transformation-Tangaza University;
- H.E. Roberto Natali, Italian Ambassador to Kenya;
- H.E. Muhindo Nzangi, Ministre de l'Enseignement Supérieur et Universitaire, RDC.
Download the full PROGRAMME
Watch the full conference HERE
5 SEPTEMBER 2023
INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE
"The National Action Plans on UNSCR 1325 and the impact of armed conflicts on children"
9.00 am – 5.30 pm at the University of PRISHTINA and in virtual modality
> https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87279522904?pwd=MHNSTS9Fazh3NDVXK0k3VUxwY1BhQT09
Organized by UNETCHAC and the Institute of Political Studies "S.Pio V", supported by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation
With the participation, of illustrious Speakers, among them:
H.E. Antonello De Riu, Italian Ambassador to Kosovo; Mrs. Selvete Gerxhaliu Krasniqi, Judge of the Constitutional Court of the Republic of Kosovo;
Mr. Baki Svirca, Head of Transitional Justice Division at the Justice Ministry - Kosovo;
Mrs. Adelheid Obwaller, Chief Gender Advisor - KFOR;
Ms. Elisabeth Schleicher, Deputy Gender Advisor - KFOR.
Download the full PROGRAMME
Watch the full conference HERE
Photogallery of the event HERE
24 JULY 2023
INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE
"The National Action Plans on UNSCR 1325 and the impact of armed conflicts on children"
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86598727786?pwd=UmxkRzJDblpYRmUzUjJLekk2MEJ6Zz09
- 9.00 am – 5.30 pm UTC +5:30 at the Hotel Taj Samudra, Colombo - SRI LANKA
Organized by UNETCHAC and the Institute of Political Studies “S. Pio V” , supported by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.
With the participation of illustrious Speakers, among them:
H.E. Nicolò Tassoni Estense di Castelvecchio, Italian Ambassador to Myanmar;
Mr. Francesco Perale, Deputy Head of Mission of the Italian Embassy to Sri Lanka;
Mr. Mattia Ventura, Deputy Head of Mission of the Italian Embassy to Bangladesh.
Download the full PROGRAMME
Watch the full conference HERE
Photogallery of the event HERE
11-12 MAY 2023
CONFERENCE
"Responsibilities to protect in theory and practice"
UNETCHAC was pleased to attend a very interesting Conference organized by the University of Ljubljana, (Faculty of Law), on May 11 and 12.
The event saw the participation of Representatives of the Network and, in this occasion, the adhesion of the Faculty of Law of the University of Ljubljana to the Network's Statute was officially signed.
25 MARCH 2023
CONFERENCE
XVII National Conference of the Italian Red Cross trainers
UNETCHAC was delighted to attend the panel 'The protection of infancy in armed conflict' that represented a significant occasion to build dialogue among all actors involved in protecting children in armed conflict, the representatives of the Academic Community, the Italian Red Cross, the diplomatic world and military forces.
2022
24/11/2022
CONFERENCE
“The commitment of the International Community for the Protection of Children in Armed Conflict”
The Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict, Ms. Virginia Gamba, at the Italian Chamber of Deputies with representatives of the Italian Parliament, professors, students and representatives of the civil society.
UNETCHAC organized this event held in Rome (Italy) at the Sala Refettorio (Chamber of Deputies of the Italian Parliament).
The lectio magistralis given by the Special Representative Gamba opened the debate paving the way for international multilateral action that translates proposals in concrete actions for an effective juridical protection of minors affected by armed conflict.
On this occasion, the second Edition of the UNETCHAC INTERNATIONAL AWARD 2022 took place awarding three personalities who have distinguished themselves in their dedication to protecting vulnerable children in different fields:
Paolina Massidda, Principal Counsel at the Independent Office of Public Counsel for Victims (OPVC) of the International Criminal Court (ICC);
Nicolò Govoni, President and Executive Director of the NGOs “Still I Rise”;
Comitato Olimpico Nazionale Italiano (CONI) represented by the Vice President Silvia Salis.
(Rome _ Chamber of Deputies of the Italian Parliament & virtually)
https://www.uninetworkforchildren.org/news19
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23/11/2022
INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE
"The mandate of the United Nations Special Representative of the Secretary General for Children in Armed Conflict and the Plight of Children in Armed Conflicts".
A Conversation with Mrs. Virginia Gamba de Potgieter
Organized by UNETCHAC together with the John Cabot University and the Institute of Political Studies "S. Pio V", this conference saw the intervention as main speaker of Ms. Virginia Gamba, Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict and many other Representatives from the Academic Community.
(John Cabot University of Rome_Italy & virtually)
https://www.uninetworkforchildren.org/news18b
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21-22/11/2022
INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE
"Children in Armed Conflict: How can they be protected in a multilevel international framework?"
Organized by the UNETCHAC and the UNESCO Chair in Human Rights at the University of Luxembourg in collaboration with L.A.W. International and the Institute of Political Studies "S. Pio V" and under the patronage of the Italian Embassy in Luxembourg.
The two-day conference, which took place in Luxembourg, had a hybrid format and saw the participation of eminent representatives of national and international Institutions, regional and international organizations, civil society and the academic community. Special Guest Speaker of the inaugural session, HRH the Grand Duchess Maria Teresa of Luxembourg, UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador and UNICEF Eminent Advocate for Children.
Full programme: https://bit.ly/3UzgfmT
During the inaugural session of the Conference, the video realized by the Italian choir of students "Il Coro che non c'è" (Nowhere Choir) and dedicated to the pivotal role of young people in the peacebuilding process was shown.
(University of Luxembourg & virtually)
https://www.uninetworkforchildren.org/news18
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2/11/2022
CONFERENCE
“Heritage in war and peace. Spaces of conflict, spaces of justice: between natural, landscapes, and city scapes"
The UNETCHAC together with the McGill University has organized the round table “Children in Armed Conflict and their right to Cultural Heritage”.
(Online Event)
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7/03/2022
CONFERENCE
"Networking for a brighter future! Women and girls in the Sub-Saharan Africa: Transforming Education for a Sustainable Future"
UNETCHAC organized a event at at the City Hall of Rome the Campidoglio (Italy) launching the photo exhibition by Mohamed Keita dedicated to young women and minors victims of armed conflict with the participation as speakers of representatives of institutions, the academic community and civil society organizations.
(City Hall the Campidoglio _ Rome_Italy)
https://www.uninetworkforchildren.org/news14
Video: shorturl.at/dnqY9
2021
11/12/2021
EVENT
"We do not want to be forgotten"
Event organized in collaboration with Coordinamento Italiano Sostegno Donne Afghane Onlus (CISDA) and the Afghan community in Italy for analyzing the living conditions of Afghan women and girls, with the participation of representatives of institutions, academics, journalists and writers.
(San Paolo Christian Community_ Rome_Italy).
3/12/2021
UNETCHAC International Award 2021
UNETCHAC awarded three personalities who have distinguished themselves in their dedication to protecting vulnerable children in different fields: Ms. Virginia Gamba, Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict; Ms. Rossella Miccio, President of Emergency NGO; and Mr. Mohamed Keita, photographer.
(Senate of the Italian Republic_ Rome_Italy)
https://www.uninetworkforchildren.org/news10
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22/11/2021-29/11/2021
International Academic Week 2021 on Children and Armed Conflict
During this week (launched by UNETCHAC after the success of the First Academic Week in November 2020), the universities and research centers part of the Network organized training activities on the topic of the protection of children in armed conflicts (conferences, lessons and webinars).
This Academic Week was inagurated with the Conference "The right of children to education in armed conflict. A specific focus on the situation in Afghanistan" opened with a message from the Italian Minister of University and Research, Ms. Maria Cristina Messa.
(Virtual event)
https://www.uninetworkforchildren.org/news09
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27/03/2021
INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE
"Preventive measures to counter violence against children in armed conflict"
This international conference was organized by UNETCHAC in collaboration with the University of Kufa (Iraq) and saw the participation of academics, international experts and representatives of institutions, among them the Italian Ambassador to Iraq, H.E. Bruno Antonio Pasquino and the Ambassador of Iraq to Italy, H.E. Safia TalebAl-Suhail.
(Virtual Event)
https://www.uninetworkforchildren.org/news07
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17/03/2021
UNITED NATIONS SIDE EVENT
"Violence against girl children in armed conflicts and the role of the international criminal justice system”
UN Side Event organized by Italy, Niger, Belgium, El Salvador, Norway, the European Union together with the Office of the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict, Save the Children International, the Global Coalition to Protect Education from Attack and the Universities Network for Children in Armed Conflict (UNETCHAC)
The panelists who will take part in this event will be institutional representatives and representatives of civil society organizations aforementioned.
Among these, there will be the special interventions of Ms. Virginia Gamba, Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict; Mr. Eamon Gilmore, EU Special Representative for Human Rights; Ms. Marina Sereni, Vice Minister of the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation; Mr. Marc Perrin de Brichambaut, Second Vice-President of the International Criminal Court.
(Virtual Event)
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9/03/2021
HIGH LEVEL EVENT
"Children affected by armed conflict: safeguarding their rights to education and ensuring schools are safe"
High Level Event co-promoted by the Universities Network for Children in Armed Conflict and the Permanent Mission of Italy to the United Nations-Geneva and co-sponsored by the Group of Friends of Children and Armed Conflict.
the event, held during the 46th Session of Human Rights Council, highlighted the importance of safeguarding the right to education for conflict-affected children ensuring that schools are safe, particularly relevant in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic that has made access to education in war areas even more difficult.
https://www.uninetworkforchildren.org/news06
https://www.uninetworkforchildren.org/media
2020
25/11/2020
Rome MED – Mediterranean Dialogues 2020
UNETCHAC participated to #Med2020 organized by the Italian Institute for International Political Studies (ISPI) and supported by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.
Moderating_Panel "Child Protection in Armed Conflict: Establishing a Mediterranean Dialogue on the Rights of the Child".
(Virtual Event)
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16/11/2020 - 20/11/2020
FINAL CONFERENCE_International Academic Week 2020
To celebrate the Anniversary of the adoption of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, UNETCHAC organized the International conference as final event of the First International Academic Week on Children and Armed Conflict (16-20/11/2020).
(Virtual Event)
https://www.uninetworkforchildren.org/media
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16/11/2020
CONFERENCE
“Giving hopes to girl children in armed conflict: a joint commitment from the Academic System”
The Universities Network was launched on 16 November 2020 during the international conference “Giving Hopes to Girls Children in Armed Conflicts. A joint commitment from the Academic Community” promoted by the University of Perugia (Italy) and the Institute of Political Studies “S. Pio V” (Italy) with the support of the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. The conference was inaugurated by the Italian Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ms. Marina Sereni and among the main speaker the Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict, Ms. Virginia Gamba.
On this occasion the First International Academic Week on Children in Armed Conflict was inaugurated (16-20/11/2020).
During the conference the videoclip "Let them play with their dreams", a song composed for the Network by the Italian Artist Sergio Iovino has been launched.
(Virtual Event)
https://www.uninetworkforchildren.org/media
