War-torn areas see many innocent victims, but the most innocent of victims remain in need of help and protection. Today, in over 30 situations of concern around the globe, children are being mutilated and carelessly used to advance the agendas of adults. It has been estimated that over 2 million children have been killed in armed conflicts; another 6 million have been rendered permanently disabled; and, more than 250,000 children continue to be exploited as child soldiers. Children are both the targets and increasingly the instruments of armed conflict. Monitoring and reporting on children affected by armed conflict addresses itself to six grave violations against children in situations of armed conflict:

 

* Killing or maiming of children;

* Recruitment or use of children as soldiers;

* Attacks against schools or hospitals;

* Denial of humanitarian access for children;

* Abduction of children;

* Rape and other grave sexual abuse of children;

 

All of these categories are realities for children of armed conflict. The United Nations feels all children deserve the attention and protection of the international community.

 

In his sixth report to the Security Council on children and armed conflict (A/61/529-S/2006/826), the Secretary-General documents grave violations against children in 19 situations of concern, from Afghanistan, Burundi, Chad, Côte d'Ivoire, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Haiti, Iraq, Lebanon, Occupied Palestinian Territory, Israel, Liberia, Somalia, Sudan and Uganda, to Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, the Philippines and Colombia. Furthermore, the report explicitly cites 40 parties, both State and non-State actors, for the commission of grave violations against children.

 

Although progress has been made in a number of situations of armed conflict, such as in Liberia and Sierra Leone, the recent escalation of violence in the Middle East, especially in Lebanon, Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territory, has resulted in thousands of child victims. The situation for children has also continued to deteriorate in crisis areas such as Darfur, eastern Chad, Afghanistan, Iraq, and Sri Lanka.

 

Further Resources

Children. Conflicts, and the Military- Global Issues http://www.globalissues.org/Geopolitics/Children.asp

 

The Official United Nations Website

http://www.un.org