Subgroup on Armed Conflict

This subgroup is a network of international NGOs working for the rights of children that are affected by armed conflict and displacement. It provides a platform to share information and to plan for joint activities.

Current Issues

1. Refugee and displaced children
2. Child soldiers
3. Protection of children affected by armed conflict and displacement

History

The subgroup on armed conflict and displacement is an advocacy network composed of international human rights and humanitarian NGOs working for the rights of children affected by armed conflict and displacement. Created in the early 1990s it has taken an active part, in the drafting of the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on involvement of children in armed conflicts.

The objectives of this network of NGOs are:

• To facilitate the planning of joint activities
• To be a platform for information sharing among NGOs and between relevant UN agencies, NGOs and the ICRC
• To become an NGO focal point on children and armed conflict for UN agencies
• To develop outreach at national level

One of the activities of the subgroup was to act as a major intermediary for NGOs worldwide interest with Graca Machel Study which examined the impact of armed conflict on children. General Assembly Resolution 48/157 of December 1993, requested the Secretary-General to appoint an expert to a study entitled: "The Impact of Armed Conflict on Children." The subgroup became an important focal point for the UN on the subject. Its efforts were concentrated on various levels. Subgroup representatives met several times with Graça Machel, the head of the study, to maintain open channels for the NGO community to make constructive contributions to the study. Through the subgroup several pieces of research were submitted. Regarding child soldiers, psycho-social rehabilitation, girl children and sexual exploitation of children affected by armed conflicts.

The subgroup engaged in various other activities of advocacy, expert advice and active participation in international forums. The United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) Executive Committee is a pivotal event on that organisation's calendar. The subgroup consistently monitors and lobbies relevant children's issues, such as the plight of refugee and displaced children; the strengthening of resolutions on children and including a Convention on the Rights of the Child as the standard to child protection.

The Sub-Group also participated in the ARC project (Action for the Rights of the Child) which was a common project to the UNHCR and Save the Children in reviewing some of the modules concerning for example child soldiers and exploitation of children.

The Sub-Group has established links with the ILO regarding the drafting of the Convention 182 against the worst forms of child labour and its reporting process.

It also engaged in joint activities with the subgroup on Sexual Exploitation especially regarding the organisation of workshops during the first and second World Congresses against the commercial sexual exploitation of children. Observers regularly attend its meetings. It is currently chaired by the International Federation Terre des Hommes.

Work Plans

• The 2005 Work Plan of the subgorup is available here [word]
  
• The 2004 Work Plan of the subgorup is available here [word]
  
• The 2003-2004 Annual Report of the subgroup is available here [word]

Documents

Why do adolescents volunteer for armed forces or armed groups?, Rachel Brett, Quaker United Nations Office, Geneva [word format] [pdf format]

Links

Links to relevant websites relevant and structures with which we work:

• Coalition to Stop the Use of Child Soldiers www.childsoldiers.org
• The Watchlist www.watchlist.org