top of page

News

Side event on “Enhancing the international protection of children, particularly girl children, affected by armed conflict”

23 October 2024 – United Nations headquarters (New York)

The world is witnessing a troubling surge in armed conflicts, tearing apart communities and destabilizing regions. Amid these tumultuous times, children emerge as the most vulnerable, facing unimaginable horrors and enduring unspeakable suffering. From forced displacement, and sexual violence to recruitment as child soldiers, the experiences of children in conflict zones are fraught with peril and uncertainty. In conflict zones, both boys and girls are exposed to a myriad of dangers, ranging from physical violence to psychological trauma leaving an indelible mark on the lives of those who endure its ravages and certainly impacting their future. As conflicts rage on, it is imperative to recognize the profound impact they have on the lives of children, shaping their futures and altering the trajectory of hope for the entire international community.

While violence in armed conflict affects both boys and girls, it is essential to recognize that girls face specific challenges that can significantly impact their lives. The unique hardships experienced by girls, such as gender-based violence and restricted access to education, demand targeted attention and interventions. Addressing these challenges is not only a matter of ensuring the well-being and rights of individual girls but also recognizing their pivotal role in shaping the future of communities and the broader global landscape. Acknowledging and addressing the distinct challenges faced by girls in armed conflict is integral to fostering a more equitable and prosperous international community.

Data concerning violence against girls in armed conflict remains distressingly high, with their vulnerability exacerbated by psychological and physical violence, including rape, sexual violence, enslavement, and forced marriage. These acts of violence, intended to terrorize civilian populations and dismantle communities, are severely underreported, hindering girls' access to justice and support from families and communities. Fear of social stigma amplifies re-victimization and psychological trauma, hindering girls' development and educational opportunities and eroding their confidence in the future.

Safeguarding the well-being and rights of girls in such circumstances, not only ensures their physical safety but also promotes their emotional and psychological well-being, enabling them to thrive and contribute positively to their communities. Additionally, empowering girls with protection and support in times of conflict helps to break cycles of violence, and inequality, paving the way for a more inclusive and prosperous society for all.

The promotion of women's rights is closely linked to the eradication of violence against girls, especially amid armed conflicts. The effective empowerment of women depends on the elimination of widespread and tolerated gender-based violence, particularly crucial for women's participation in decision-making, especially in conflict zones. Regardless of age, the needs and interests of girls, especially in fragile contexts like armed conflicts, must be prioritized to achieve genuine empowerment.

The protection of the human rights of children, especially girls, in situations of armed conflict requires a dual-focus: emphasizing the necessity of accountability for crimes perpetrated in armed conflict and addressing the formidable challenges surrounding the recovery and social reintegration of affected children, with particular attention to the experiences of girls.

The international community's commitment to combatting violence against women and girls has led to the adoption of pivotal resolutions and statements, such as SC Res 1325/2000 on Women, Peace, and Security, and SC Res 2467/2019 on sexual violence in armed conflict. These instruments underscore the imperative of holding perpetrators accountable for their actions. Despite this, few judgments have been delivered over the past 25 years, highlighting the urgent need for more robust action.

Eliminating barriers to girls' access to justice is pivotal for reducing gender-based violence during armed conflicts. These barriers hinder both security and development and impede women’s full participation in post-conflict reconstruction and peacebuilding efforts. Justice serves not only to sanction violations but also to facilitate victims' recovery, allowing them to rebuild their lives and nurture hope for a better future.

In addition to justice, recovery and social reintegration efforts are crucial for girls affected by armed conflict. Reintegration programs must address the multifaceted challenges girls face, including trauma, stigma, and disrupted education. Providing comprehensive support and opportunities for education, vocational training, and psychosocial counselling are essential components of successful recovery and social reintegration. By empowering girls to reclaim their futures, these programs contribute to long-term peace and stability in conflict-affected regions.

The present event aims to analyse the two aspects of justice and reintegration as fundamental to ensuring the protection of children's rights in armed conflict by examining the current international system concerning both justice and reintegration. By identifying areas for improvement and proposing measures to enhance effectiveness, the event aims to ensure a robust response to violence against girls in armed conflicts, including efforts in justice, recovery and social reintegration.

The discussion will be developed along the following guiding questions:

●  How can the international community enhance cooperation to address the current challenges to protect children in conflict zones?

●  What are the impacts of new technologies on children affected by armed conflicts?

●  What innovative strategies can be implemented to prevent the recruitment and exploitation of children by armed groups?

●  How can the international community enhance the efficacy of international legal frameworks to ensure accountability for crimes against children committed in or in relation to armed conflicts?

●  What innovative approaches can be adopted to facilitate the recovery and social reintegration of children, particularly girls affected by armed conflict?

●  What role can education and social support play in the holistic recovery of children, particularly girls, affected by armed conflict?

 

Moderator

Ms Laura Guercio, Secretary-General of the Universities Network for Children in Armed Conflict

Opening remarks

  • Mr Maurizio Massari, Permament Representative of Italy to the United Nations

  • Ms Virginia Gamba, Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-

    General for Children and Armed Conflict

Speakers

  • Mr Fausto Pocar, Former International Judge, ICTY, ICTR, ad hoc ICJ; Em. Professor, University of Milan; President, Universities Network for Children in Armed Conflict

  • Ms Vasilka Sancin, Professor of International Law, University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Law; Member and Vice-Chair of the UN Human Rights Council Advisory Committee

  • Mr Kito Masimango, Professor of International Law and Dean, L’Université Moyen Lualaba (DRC); Counsel, DRC Coordinator of the Coalition for the ICC

  • Ms Selvete Gerxhaliu Krasniqi, Judge at the Constitutional Court, Republic of

    Kosovo

  • Ms Mikiko Otani, International human rights lawyer, Member and former Chair,

    UN Committee on the Rights of the Child

  • Mr Greg Carroll, Professor of Peace and Conflict Studies, Associate Director Center for Childhood and Youth Studies, Salem State University

Conclusion

Mr Luca Fratini, Coordinator for Women Peace and Security, Youth and Mediation

WATCH THE VIDEO of the CONFERENCE HERE

NY23102024_def_.jpg

UNIVERSITIES NETWORK FOR CHILDREN IN ARMED CONFLICT

bottom of page