On the 18th of January, the Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict published a comprehensive study which analyses in a holistic manner the challenges, opportunities and successes in delivering the mandate since its creation in 1996.
The study presents the evolution of the mandate since its inception with the adoption of Resolution 51/77 on behalf of the General Assembly in 1996. Extensive consultancies have been conducted with Member States, UN entities, and civil society organisations throughout 2021 to support and inform the development of the study.
Virginia Gamba, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict, highlighted that this organisation has “come a long way since the establishment of the Children and Armed Conflict mandate 25 years ago. Understanding how the mandate has evolved and how it has been implemented over the years can help the international community to better prepare itself for the next 25 years, whilst providing an opportunity to renew our commitment to the protection of children from armed conflict and the prevention of grave violations.”
Finally, to point out that in this study opinions and perspectives of numerous children have been included, through focus group discussions and consultations facilitated by the Dallaire Institute, Defence for Children International, and the International Rescue Committee.