Voices for reintegration: Interview with Abdullah
Abdullah was recruited and used by the armed forces as a child. After his release, he was treated differently by his friends and family and faced difficulties controlling his emotions. As a result, he was initially unable to complete his studies, and he had difficulty improving his situation due to stigmatization and trauma. Through reintegration services, Abdullah received counseling and psychosocial support and learned to control his emotions, and [...]
Advocating for reintegration: Testimony from former child soldier
The following is a testimony from Jean, a former child soldier who is now advocating for the reintegration of children formerly associated with armed groups and forces. Below the transcript is the original audio in video format: "Bonjour, Depuis que j’ai regagné la maison, je m’entends si bien avec ma famille. Ce qui est plus gênant, ce sont mes amis qui me fuient. Ceux avec qui j’avais l’habitude de jouer [...]
New Papers Explore How to Better Respond to Conflict-Related Sexual Violence Against Boys in Conflict
On the occasion of the United Nations Human Rights Day 2022, the Office of the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict, in collaboration with the All Survivors Project (ASP), published two documents on conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV) that shed light on how this grave violation specifically impacts boys. The publications, Responding to conflict-related sexual violence against boys associated with armed forces and armed groups [...]
Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict in Colombia, Welcomes Sustained Efforts to Protect Children from Conflict GallerySpecial Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict in Colombia, Welcomes Sustained Efforts to Protect Children from Conflict
Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict in Colombia, Welcomes Sustained Efforts to Protect Children from Conflict
*Spanish version available below*New York/Bogotá, 7 December 2022 — Encouraged by the commitment of the Colombia Government towards “Total Peace” that includes the full implementation of the 2016 peace agreement and the resumption of peace negotiations with the ELN, the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for children and armed conflict, Mrs. Virginia Gamba, reminded that the protection of children and the fulfilment of their rights is at the centre [...]
Protection measures needed to support children with disabilities in armed conflict
International Day of Persons with Disabilities - 3 December 2022 GENEVA/NEW YORK - Persons with disabilities, particularly children, are too often left behind in situations of armed conflict and experience serious risks and challenges to flee, protect themselves and access necessities, UN experts* warned today, urging States to take protective measures and ensure inclusion and access to assistance. Ahead of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities on 3 December, [...]
Attacks on Schools Increased a Year After Adoption of Resolution Safeguarding Right to Education
New York, 1 December 2022 – The number of attacks against schools and education personnel has seen an increase this year, according to preliminary data from the Office of the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for children and armed conflict. The most recent one took place today in the northern city of Aybak in Afghanistan, where several children have been reported killed and injured. This worrying trend, particularly [...]
Ethiopia: Peace Agreement’s Opportunity Must be Seized to Include Rights and Needs of Children Affected by Conflict
New York, 30 November 2022 – The Agreement for Lasting Peace through a Permanent Cessation of Hostilities in Ethiopia, brokered by the African Union, is a milestone that provides an important opportunity to prioritize the protection of children, including by incorporating their rights and needs in the mediation process and peace discussions, said the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for children and armed conflict, Virginia Gamba. This Agreement [...]
FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 festivities: Qatar Fund for Development, Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict participate in Generation Amazing Youth Festival GalleryFIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 festivities: Qatar Fund for Development, Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict participate in Generation Amazing Youth Festival
FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 festivities: Qatar Fund for Development, Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict participate in Generation Amazing Youth Festival
Doha, 18 November 2022 - Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD), in partnership with the Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict (OSRSG CAAC), jointly participated in Generation Amazing's Youth Festival. The participation aims to raise awareness about the plight of children affected by armed conflict and foster international cooperation to improve their protection. Under the Let Them Play: A 'child's place is on [...]
DRC: Children Still Paying Highest Price of Conflict; Parties Should Strengthen Engagement with the UN to End and Prevent All Grave Violations
New York, 15 November 2022- The children in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) continue to endure a disturbingly high number of grave violations as a result of conflict, including an intensification of armed activities by a growing number of armed groups, particularly in Ituri and North Kivu. The realities of children in the DRC continues to be one characterised by violence and instability, in which their rights [...]
COP27: Conflict-Affected Children Vulnerable to Climate-Induced Shocks, Threatening Resilience and Right to Safe Environment
New York, 4 November 2022- From 6-18 November, the 27th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP27) will take place in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, where solutions to tackle the global challenge of climate crisis will be discussed. The Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict, Virginia Gamba, stresses the undeniable and long-lasting impact of climate crisis on conflict-affected children. The Special Representative calls for [...]