Training Course on Child Protection in Armed Conflict

Course Overview

This 5-day intensive training course provides participants with a comprehensive and practical understanding of the principles, legal frameworks, and strategies for protecting children affected by armed conflict (CAAC). Participants will explore the six grave violations against children during armed conflict and gain practical skills to monitor, report, and respond to child protection concerns effectively.

The course draws on international standards, humanitarian best practices, and real-world case studies to foster critical thinking and practical problem-solving. It emphasizes the legal, ethical, and gender-sensitive approaches necessary for effective child protection in conflict environments.

Target Audience

This course is designed for:

• Child protection officers
• Humanitarian and development professionals
• NGO/INGO staff working in conflict zones
• UN and government personnel
• Social workers, educators, and community leaders
• Policy-makers and advocates

Course Objectives

By the end of the course, participants will be able to:

• Understand the fundamental principles of child protection and their specific application in conflict settings.
• Identify and analyze the six grave violations and their short- and long-term impacts on children.
• Apply international legal frameworks including UNCRC, OPAC, and Geneva Conventions to real-world protection programming.
• Recognize and assess gender-specific risks and vulnerabilities faced by boys and girls in conflict zones.
• Develop effective prevention and response strategies, including risk assessments, referral pathways, and monitoring systems.
• Design and integrate child protection interventions into broader humanitarian programming.

Course Duration

5 days : Each day includes interactive lectures, group exercises, multimedia presentations, simulations, and knowledge checks.

Course Modules

Module 1: Introduction to Child Protection in Armed Conflict

• Definition and scope of child protection
• Key principles: Best interest of the child, non-discrimination, child participation, and survival & development
• Drivers and consequences of child vulnerability in armed conflict
• Overview of the child protection actor landscape (UN, NGOs, government agencies)

Module 2: Legal and Policy Frameworks

• International Legal Instruments:
  • UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC)
  • Optional Protocol on the Involvement of Children in Armed Conflict (OPAC)
  • Geneva Conventions and Additional Protocols
• Global Policies and Guidelines:
  • Security Council Resolutions (e.g., 1325, 1612, 1820)
  • Paris Principles and Commitments
  • Kampala Declaration on Refugees and IDPs
• Accountability mechanisms and pathways to justice

Module 3: Mainstreaming Child Protection in Conflict Settings

• Introduction to the Child Protection Minimum Standards (CPMS)
• Strategies for integrating child protection in cross-cutting sectors:
  • Education, Health, Nutrition, WASH, and Shelter
• Coordination with other sectors and the role of inter-agency collaboration
• Case studies on successful mainstreaming in field operations

Module 4: Monitoring and Reporting the Six Grave Violations

• Understanding the origin and classification of the Six Grave Violations:
  1. Killing and maiming of children
  2. Recruitment or use of children by armed forces or groups
  3. Attacks on schools or hospitals
  4. Rape or other forms of sexual violence
  5. Abduction of children
  6. Denial of humanitarian access
• Introduction to the Monitoring and Reporting Mechanism (MRM)
• Tools and methods for data collection, verification, and confidentiality
• Developing credible reports for advocacy and response

Module 5: Gender Dimensions of the Six Grave Violations

• Gender-based differences in the impact of violations
• Role of Gender Analysis in child protection planning
• Addressing the specific needs of girls and boys during and after violations
• Promoting inclusive and equitable protection responses
• Gender-sensitive indicators and monitoring tools

Module 6: Comparative Analysis of Grave Violations through SRSG-CAAC Reports

• Introduction to the role of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General (SRSG) for CAAC
• Comparative review of recent SRSG reports:
  • Country case studies and trends
  • Lessons learned and best practices
• Group exercises:
  • Analyze and present regional variations in violations
  • Develop advocacy briefs and recommendations
• Final reflections and synthesis of course learnings

Course Completion

• Participants will receive a Certificate of Completion upon successfully attending all sessions and completing a final group presentation.
• Optional: Post-course mentorship support for participants implementing child protection projects.