Universities network for children in armed conflict
The Universities Network for Children in Armed Conflict (UNETCHAC), launched in November 2020, represents the first International Academic Network with the aim to enhance the role of the Academic Community in the Protection of Children directly and indirectly involved in Armed Conflict.
The activities promoted by UNETCHAC see participation of more than 40 universities and research centers coming from different geographical areas such as Europe, Africa, Middle East and Americas; some of these universities and research centers located in conflict zones.
On 31 March 2023, the Association Universities Network for Children in Armed Conflict (UNETCHAC) was established (registered in Rome on 6 April 2023, no. 10920, Series 1T, REPERTOIRE N 11 COLLECTION N 5)
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The Network aims to promote analysis and research activities with a view to enhancing the social and legal protection of boy and girl children involved in armed conflict. The Network will also provide activities aimed at increasing the awareness of the spreading phenomenon of the consequences for children involved in armed conflict both when they are direct victims and also when they are affected indirectly by violations to their families and communities (i.e. early school leaving).
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All the Activities organized by the Network are specifically focused on the protection of girl children as affected by specific gender-based violations in armed conflict. All the Activities are organized with the aim to promote and increase a dialogue within the academic community both at the national and the international level, with a view to contributing to enhance the protection of girl children.
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More than 40 Universities and Research Centers of different countries from Europe, Middle East, Africa, North and Latin America have already joined the Network, and more will join.
If you are an Institution interested to be part of the Network, please write us with your proposals.
NEWS
conference
2 December 2025
Italian Parliament, Rome, Italy
“CHILDREN AFFECTED BY ARMED CONFLICT 2025 REPORT"
Conference organized by UNETCHAC to present the “Children Affected by Armed Conflict 2025" report. During the conference, the 2025 Awards of the Universities Network for Children in Armed Conflict will be presented, together with the two Scholarships. Read more…
CONFERENCE
THE WPS AND YPS AGENDAS: 25 YEARS LATER
In 2025, the international community marks the 25th anniversary of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325, adopted on 31 October 2000. This landmark resolution recognized the essential role of women in peacebuilding, conflict prevention, and post-conflict reconstruction. It laid the foundation for the “Women, Peace and Security” (WPS) Agenda, promoting an integrated approach that emphasizes women’s participation in decision-making processes, the protection of women and girls in conflict grounds, and the incorporation of gender perspectives into security and cooperation policies. Read more…
31 October 2025 Online Event
17 – 21 November 2025
Faculty of Education, University of Pristina (Kosovo), and online participation
TRAINING
“CULTURAL HERITAGE AND CHILDREN IN ARMED CONFLICT: PROTECTION, MEMORY, AND PEACEBUILDING - INTENSIVE ADVANCED COURSE
The course is coordinated by Professor Laura Guercio, Professor Bahtije Gerbeshi Zylfiu and Professor Marxiano Melotti. Sessions will consist of lectures delivered by leading international experts and practitioners, followed by Q&A segments and moderated discussions designed to stimulate active engagement among participants. Guest lecturers will include professionals with experience in international organisations, transitional justice processes, and the protection of cultural heritage and children's rights in conflict settings. Read more…
tRAININGS
UNETCHAC regularly organizes training courses aimed at analizing, with a multi-disciplinary approach, issues relating to the protection of children in armed conflict and post-conflict situations, and international justice. These advanced courses offer the possibility of an academic and professional training on the subject of International Human Rights Law, International Humanitarian Law, and International Criminal Law.
International Criminal Jurisdiction 2023
International Criminal Jurisdiction 2022
Autumn School 2021
PUBLICATIONS
“NEW TECHNOLOGIES AND CHILDREN IN ARMED CONFLICT”.
Legal, Ethical, and Humanitarian Challenges in the Age of AI and Autonomous Weapons.
CHILDREN IN ARMED CONFLICT AND CULTURAL HERITAGE.
Protecting Cultural Heritage as a Key Element in Preserving Children’s Rights in Armed Conflict
PROJECTS
2024-25
The creation of the YouthNet International Mediators: Empowering Youth for Long-lasting Peace and Security in the dimension of the IV PAN on UNSCR 1325. The project, launched in the course of a conference held in New York, and developed between October 2024 and February 2025, is part of the activities outlined in Italy’s IV National Action Plan on Women, Peace, and Security (2020–2024), in alignment with UN Security Council Resolution 1325.
2023
The National Action Plans on UNSCR1325 and the impact of armed conflicts on boys and girls: a study and analysis of the International Universities Network. Co-funded by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs
2022
Analysis and study of the impact of armed conflicts on boys and girls in the Middle East: proposals for implementing their role as agents of change to realise peaceful and inclusive societies.
Co-funded by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Contact us
If you are a University or an Institution, or you just need information, contact us filling the form.
More than 40 universities and research centers of different countries from Europe, Middle East, Africa, North and Latin America have already joined the Network, and more will join.
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