In over twenty years, the implementation of the Children and Armed Conflict mandate has led to the release of over 130,000 children, the signing and implementation of Action Plans as well as countless initiatives to improve the protection of boys and girls in times of war.

Reflecting on progress achieved and remaining challenges, the UN Security Council called on the Special Representative, together with relevant child protection actors, to compile comprehensive best practices on the implementation of the mandate, including practical guidance on the integration of child protection issues in peace processes.

As a result, Special Representative Virginia Gamba created a lessons learned and best practices unit in her office that is compiling initiatives and work methods that proved successful to the protection of boys and girls.

With regards to the development of practical guidance on the integration of child protection issues in peace processes, the unit has initiated a consultative process with relevant child protection and mediation actors in the United Nations System and with civil society partners.

Best Practices from the Monitoring and Reporting Mechanism

Best practices and lessons learned from the field