| Popis: |
One in six children globally live in areas affected by armed conflict, facing a range of threats and challenges as a result. They are consistently killed and injured, subject to sexual violence, denied access to life-saving support, recruited and used by armed groups, forced to flee their homes and prevented from fulfilling their fundamental human rights. Too often, perpetrators of heinous acts involving children are not held to account. This research paper deals with how those responsible for crimes and serious violations against children in conflict can be brought to justice. It looks at why, to date, such few examples exist of accountability for crimes against children. Specifically, it explores how governments, legal institutions, civil society and UN agencies can set a new path – one which prioritises and upholds children’s rights. This study finds there are a few reasons why those committing crimes against children seldom face consequences for their actions. Perhaps the most important, is that governments are simply not making crimes against children a priority. As a result, neither is the international justice system. Without political and financial backing from governments, there are big gaps in expertise, tools, and structures which would deliver justice for children. Importantly, the research focuses on lessons and recommendations for action. This includes how sexual and gender-based violence became a central theme of the international justice system, as well as how the international community can put its weight behind innovation and the examples of best practice which already exist. |
