Children Affected by Armed Conflict and Displacement

Children are especially vulnerable to the effects of war, and frequently represent at least half of the population in a conflict area. They suffer fear and insecurity, and disruption to every aspect of their lives. Children who have been displaced are at an increased risk of sexual and physical violence, disease and malnutrition, and separation from family members. As displaced persons or refugees they may experience severe poverty, abuse, exploitation, and psychosocial distress.

Children without parental care in conflict areas are highly vulnerable to abduction or other forms of recruitment by armed forces and groups. Such children may be used to fight, provide labour or be sexually exploited. Involvement in conflict may result in malnutrition, abuse, addiction to drugs, injury, psychosocial distress or death. While children associated with armed forces and groups make up a small minority of the total number of children affected by war, they are extremely vulnerable and in need of particular protection and care.

Opportunities to help children who have been associated with fighting forces may begin with their escape, capture or formal demobilization. Some may be able immediately to reunite with family members, but others may need interim care during tracing. While children may be readily accepted by their family and community, others risk rejection. Family mediation and community sensitization is needed to support family reunification and community integration. Ongoing monitoring, family support services, and placement planning is necessary where children are not reunited with one or both parents or where family and community acceptance is uncertain.

Community action to protect and support war affected children should be inclusive and not limited to children formally associated with armed forces or any one group of children. National efforts should focus on the reestablishment of essential services, particularly in the areas of security, health and education.

While this section contains resources relevant for all children in conflict affected areas, it focuses on children without parental care, including refugees and displaced children, and children associated with armed forces and groups. It includes information on demobilisation, family reunification and community reintegration.

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The Intergenerational Effect of Cambodia's Genocide on Children's Education and Health

Asadul Islam, Chandarany Ouch, Russell Smyth, Liang Choon Wang - Population and Development Review, 19 Apr 2017

This study investigates the intergenerational impact of conflict on the educational and health outcomes of children born years after the conflict in Cambodia ended by exploiting geographical variation in the intensity of the genocide that occurred during the Khmer Rouge (KR) regime in Cambodia.

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Emergency Within an Emergency: The Growing Epidemic of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse of Migrant Children in Greece

Vasileia Digidiki & Jacqueline Bhabha - Francois-Xavier Bagnoud (FXB) Center for Health and Human Rights at Harvard University, 13 Apr 2017

The present study analyzes the risk factors responsible for the exposure of migrant and refugee children to physical, psychological, and sexual violence and exploitation in Greece in the context of the ongoing migrant humanitarian crisis.

Children Come First, Intervento in Frontiera: Dossier II

Alessio Fasulo - Save the Children Italy, 01 Apr 2017

As part of the "Children Come First: Intervention at the border" project, Save the Children Italy elaborates and disseminates, on a quarterly basis, a dossier containing quantitative and qualitative information (profiles) relating to migrant minors entering Italy. This dossier contains information relating to the period January-March 2017.

The Impact of Protection Interventions on Unaccompanied and Separated Children in Humanitarian Crises

Williamson, K., Gupta, P., Gillespie, L.A., Shannon, H. and Landis, D. – Oxfam, 22 Mar 2017

This systematic review examines the impact of protection interventions on unaccompanied and separated children, during the period of separation, in humanitarian crises.

March 22, 2017 Webinar: Initiative on Child Rights in the Global Compact on Refugees and the Global Compact on safe, orderly, and regular Migration

CPC Learning Network & Initiative for Child Rights in the Global Compacts, 22 Mar 2017

During this webinar on Wednesday, March 22, 2017, Save the Children’s Daniela Reale and Terres des Hommes’ Ignacio Packer provided an update on the Initiative for Child Rights in the Global Compacts and its work to date with a view of exploring how its work can be catalytic to a broader action for the support of children’s rights in the upcoming national, regional and global processes.

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8 Borders, 8 Days

Amanda Bailly, 09 Mar 2017

This documentary video tells the story of Sham, a single mother from Syria seeking safety in Europe.

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Evidence Brief: The Impact of Protection Interventions on Unaccompanied and Separated Children in Humanitarian Crises

Williamson, K., Gupta, P., Gillespie, L.A., Shannon, H. and Landis, D. – Oxfam, 03 Mar 2017

This Evidence Brief provides an overview of the systematic review.

Country Care Review: Georgia

Better Care Network, 03 Feb 2017

The Committee's recommendations on the issues relevant to children's care are highlighted, as well as other care-related concluding observations, ratification dates, and links to the Universal Periodic Review and Hague Intercountry Adoption Country Profile.

A Deadly Journey for Children: The Central Mediterranean Migration Route

UNICEF, 01 Feb 2017

This report from UNICEF shines light on the dangers of the Central Mediterranean Migration Route for children and the particular vulnerability of unaccompanied migrant minors traveling along this route.

Preventing Household Violence: Promising Strategies for Humanitarian Settings

Khudejha Asghar, Beth Rubenstein and Lindsay Stark - Alliance for Child Protection in Humanitarian Action, CPC Learning Network, UNICEF, 01 Feb 2017

This report presents and reviews 43 interventions addressing household violence within the context of humanitarian emergencies, including a range of programs focused on parenting education and support and economic strengthening.