Safeguarding the Present and Future: Ensuring that Children are Protected in War

Children endure unimaginable hardships in times of armed conflict, from violence and exploitation to displacement and loss of loved ones. Despite the fact that international law is designed to protect them, children often find themselves caught in the crossfire, their rights neglected, and their futures jeopardized. Without adequately addressing these challenges and a general climate of impunity, cycles of violence are likely to continue and escalate. This panel will bring together experts from various organizations with different mandates to foster a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by children in conflict zones and how to explore innovative solutions to enhance their safety and well-being. Key topics of discussion will include how to strengthen respect for international humanitarian law and international human rights law, how to reinforce the role of accountability mechanisms in documenting and investigating crimes and violations affecting children, and the importance of engaging parties to armed conflict to increase the protection of children affected by armed conflict, including via the UN’s monitoring and reporting mechanism that lists parties responsible for grave violations against children and armed conflict. The panel will emphasize the need to view child protection as a cross-cutting issue that intersects with all humanitarian efforts. By bringing together various perspectives and expertise, the panel aims to develop actionable recommendations that will drive meaningful progress in protecting children in armed conflict towards building respect for rule of law and peaceful environments.

Speakers

• Alice Priddy - Global Desk Manager and Senior Legal Adviser, Diakonia IHL Centre
• Rob Grace - Lead Researcher, Watchlist on Children and Armed Conflict
• Aurélie Lamazière - Senior Programme Manager – Lead on Accountability for Grave, Violations Affecting Children Save the Children
• Vanessa Murphy - Legal Adviser, International Committee of the Red Cross

Interpretation

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Live streaming

All events during Geneva Peace Week will be available on-site and online.

Main organizer

• Watchlist on Children and Armed Conflict

Co-organizer

• TBC