UNRIC MAGAZINE July Edition 2009

... Children and Conflict in a Changing World

Author: UNICEF and the Special Representative of the Secretary General on Children and Armed Conflict

June 2009

"Machel Study 10-Year Strategic Review" calls on governments, UN agencies, and the civil society to urgently step up efforts to protect all children affected by conflict. The Machel Review is an advocacy tool, resulting from a broad consultation process with governments, UN agencies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and other civil society representatives, including young people.

The report emphasizes that war violates children's rights: the right to life, the right to family unity, the right to health and education, the right to protection from violence and abuse, and the right to receive humanitarian assistance.

Globally, it is estimated that over one billion children live in countries or territories affected by armed conflict - almost one sixth of the total world population. Furthermore, with the changing nature of armed conflict, the impact of war on children and young people is more brutal than ever. Children are, for example, affected by the proliferation of small arms and armed groups. They are also recruited as combatants and targeted during attacks against schools and hospitals. Girls and boys also face sexual violence, including rape, which has been used as a weapon of war.

Since the groundbreaking study by Graça Machel on the impact of armed conflict on children in 1996, the international community has achieved a number of milestones in developing a solid legal protection framework and international standards to prevent the recruitment of children in armed conflict, and ensure their reintegration into communities. According to the report, children's concerns are now also more frequently reflected in peace negotiations and agreements, as well as in the mandates of peacekeeping missions.

The report recommends that all states uphold their responsibility to protect their youngest citizens by stepping up efforts to develop legislation, policy, and action on behalf of children at the national level. "However, much more needs to be done to implement international standards and to ensure compliance in order to hold perpetrators accountable and to stop grave violations against children in times of war. Everybody has a role to play," said Radhika Coomaraswamy, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict, at the launch of the recent publication.

To read the review online: