Advocating for Children Caught Up in Armed Conflict

Around the world, armed conflict is robbing millions of children of the chance to grow up safely. They are displaced from their homes, denied access to education, exposed to violence, and, in the worst cases, recruited into armed groups. Childhood — a time that should be filled with learning, play, and nurturing — is instead marked by fear, hunger, and trauma.

Children are not combatants. They are not responsible for the wars waged around them. Yet, they remain the most vulnerable victims of conflict. Advocacy is vital in ensuring their protection, amplifying their voices, and safeguarding their rights.

The Global Impact of Conflict on Children

• Loss of Safety: Children face the constant risk of injury, death, or separation from family.

• Disrupted Education: Schools are destroyed, closed, or unsafe, depriving entire generations of learning.

• Psychological Trauma: Exposure to violence leaves long-lasting emotional scars.

• Exploitation: Many are forced into child labour, trafficking, or recruitment as child soldiers.

• Humanitarian Crisis: Displacement often leads to hunger, disease, and inadequate shelter.

  
  

The effects of these experiences ripple beyond childhood, undermining whole societies by fuelling cycles of poverty, instability, and conflict.

Why Global Advocacy Matters

Advocacy ensures that children’s rights are prioritised in times of war. On an international level, advocacy can:

• Hold governments and armed groups accountable for violations of international law.

• Secure humanitarian corridors and safe spaces for children.

• Ensure that aid packages include food, healthcare, education, and psychosocial support.

• Elevate children’s experiences so they are not overlooked in peace negotiations and reconstruction.

Without advocacy, these children remain invisible — their struggles ignored in the broader narrative of war.

Some of the ways we can advocate for children:

International Pressure and Policy

Governments, NGOs, and global citizens must call for the enforcement of international agreements such as the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. Sanctions and accountability mechanisms should target those who harm children in war.

Strengthening Humanitarian Aid

Global advocacy should push for increased funding to organisations providing direct support — from emergency healthcare and nutrition to rebuilding schools and offering trauma counselling.

Protecting Education in Emergencies

Education is often the first casualty of war, yet it is a powerful tool for recovery and resilience. Advocacy can help safeguard schools from attacks and promote investment in temporary learning spaces.

Amplifying Children’s Voices

Children affected by conflict are too often silenced. Platforms must be created for them to share their experiences safely, influencing policy and humanitarian planning.

Promoting Peacebuilding and Recovery

Advocacy should extend beyond immediate relief, focusing also on long-term recovery. This includes reintegrating child soldiers, supporting refugee families, and rebuilding community structures that foster resilience.

It's A Shared Global Responsibility

The plight of children in armed conflict is not confined to distant borders — it is a universal concern. Protecting them is not only a humanitarian imperative but also an investment in global stability and peace.

Every act of advocacy, whether through policy change, international cooperation, or public awareness, sends a clear message: the world will not remain silent when children’s lives and futures are at stake.

By standing up for the most vulnerable, we reaffirm a fundamental truth: no child should ever have to grow up in war.

🌍 Summary- 5 Key Advocacy Actions for Children in Armed Conflict:

1. Raise Awareness – Share reliable stories, reports, and campaigns to keep children’s needs visible.

2. Support Humanitarian Aid – Donate to or partner with trusted organisations like UNICEF or Save the Children.

3. Push for Policy Change – Urge leaders to protect children’s rights in conflict zones and uphold international law.

4. Protect Education – Advocate for safe schools and emergency learning opportunities during crises.

5. Amplify Children’s Voices – Create and support platforms where young survivors can share their experiences safely.

   
   

Every action counts. Together, we can ensure no child is forgotten in times of war.

Be well,

Paula

Dr  Paula Robertson is a busy mom and a paediatrician with over twenty years' experience working with young people and their families. She is also a certified children's mindfulness teacher and Positive Discipline Parenting

coach. You can find out more at www.paulathedoctormom.com.

Our AI wellness assistant has contributed to the writing of this article