A/66/256
I. Introduction
1.
The present report is submitted to the General Assembly pursuant to resolution
51/77 and subsequent resolutions on the rights of the child, the most recent of which
is resolution 64/146. The report covers the period from August 2010 to August 2011
and highlights progress made over the past year, current trends and challenges, the
way forward on ending grave violations against children in armed conflict and child
protection mainstreaming in the United Nations system. The report ends with
recommendations aimed at enhancing the protection of children affected by conflict.
II. Children and armed conflict agenda: overview of progress
A.
Raising global awareness
2.
Raising awareness and promoting the collection of information on the plight of
children affected by armed conflict is a core aspect of the mandate given to the
Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict by
the General Assembly. A multipronged approach to awareness-raising has been
undertaken by the Office of the Special Representative during the reporting period.
3.
The Special Representative has continued to submit reports on the situation of
children and armed conflict to the General Assembly and the Human Rights
Council. In addition, the Office of the Special Representative has served as the
Secretariat entity charged with the preparation, in close consultation with United
Nations partners and country task forces, of the Secretary-General’s annual and
country-specific reports on children and armed conflict to the Security Council.
These reports provide a platform for advocacy and an authoritative and regular
account of the progress made and challenges faced with regard to the protection of
children in concrete country situations.
4.
The Office of the Special Representative supports the development of policy
through the preparation and distribution of literature that contributes to policy
discussions. Working papers on key aspects of child protection, such as the 2010
paper on internally displaced children, build knowledge and understanding of “grey
areas” in the subject by distilling academic and policy experience and supporting
advocacy efforts. In addition, together with the United Nations Children’s Fund
(UNICEF) and other key United Nations partners, the Office of the Special
Representative has produced a broad range of guidelines for the field, including
guidance and templates for use by field-based United Nations partners in the
development of action plans to halt sexual violence and the killing and maiming of
children.
5.
The Special Representative, in her role as global advocate for children affected
by armed conflict, has continued to serve as an independent moral voice for such
children. Through field trips, outreach and use of traditional and social media, the
Special Representative has managed to relay the concerns of children in conflict
areas, mobilize solidarity with children affected by armed conflict and maintain a
sense of urgency amongst key decision makers. In addition, during the reporting
period her Office organized nine events to raise awareness and knowledge related to
children and armed conflict.
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