Special Representative Virginia Gambaindicate the instructions will assist monitor and report on the abduction of children in armed conflict, and help “address this complex and grave violation of children’s rights in times of war.”
Have six serious violations identified by the United Nations as the basis for data collection and reporting, in particular the killing and rearing of children; recruitment or use of child soldiers; child sexual violence; kidnap; attack schools or hospitals, and ultimately, deny humanitarian access.
Linked Violations
“With six serious violations against children in armed conflict are interrelated in nature, children often suffer other serious violations during the time they are kidnapped and recruited and used, killed, ghosted or sexually abusedindicates a Press Release about the new guide.
Guidelines can “help inform understanding of serious violations,” as well as provide advocacy tools that can be used as part of efforts to end and prevent bullying. child abduction of the parties to the conflict.
“Even if they are released or if they get rid of the kidnappers, kidnappers continue to face major challenges related to their reintegration into their communities‘, said Ms. Gamba.
“Their needs must be addressed in one comprehensive and sustainable wayand we encourage the international community to continue to support all those working on children and armed conflict programs in the field who are doing outstanding work for children affected by conflict. “
She added that experts in the field, are helping to ensure that “wherever, all children who survive serious violations have a chance to have a new life where they can develop”.
Increase
In recent years, Child abduction has increased dramatically In situations of children and armed conflict, whether community terrorism, targeting specific groups, or forcing children to participate in hostilities, the Office of the Special Representative said. .
Faced with this worrying trend, the UN Security Council adopted resolution 2225 in 2015, and formally recognized the importance of holding parties accountable for child abduction.
Instruction Notes produced by Ms. Gamba’s Office, in consultation with the United Nations Children’s Fund UNICEFDepartment of Political Affairs and Peacebuilding (DPPA), and the Department of Peace Operations within the framework of the Monitoring and Reporting Mechanism (MRM) Technical Reference Group.
“With a 90% increase in verified abductions in 2020 and a continued increase in 2021 at 20%, there is an urgent need to ensure that all monitoring, reporting and advocacy are equipped with powerful tools end and prevent the abduction of children, in accordance with the requirements of the Security Council.
“Note that this abduction guide is in response to a pressing need today,” added Ms. Gamba.
Somalia, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Syria, Burkina Faso and the countries of the Lake Chad basin region, see the highest number of children abducted in 2020 and 2021.
Girls are increasingly targeted
The most affected are boys, but Girls are increasingly being targeted at alarming ratesinstruction notes show.
The abduction of children for the purpose of armed conflict, contrary to applicable international law, has serious physical and emotional consequences for children, families and communities, possibly affecting lasting peace and security.
Post-conflict considerations are also covered in the new guidance, such as including advice on helping to end and prevent kidnapping in peace processes and the resulting peace agreements, as well as provide long-term and appropriate reintegration programs for released children.
