CID’S CIVIL MILITARY FORUM 2013 Protection of Civilians – What does this mean? Kirsty Burnett, SCNZ Head of Programmes

Our work is based on the UN Convention of the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights Our key areas of work include:  Child protection – including in emergencies  Child rights  Education  Emergencies  Health & nutrition  HIV and AIDS We work in all the countries shown in red on the map All children have rights, and everyone has a responsibility to make these rights a reality

Impact of armed conflict on civilians Conflict has always affected civilian pops – but now more than ever (eg Syria 1.5m refugees – half are children). UN Security Council notes these trends: -Attacks against/interference with health care -Use of explosive weapons (civilians 70%+) -Forced displacements of civilian en masse -Increased role of non-state armed groups -Sexual violence and psycho-social distress on the rise

Definition of civilian protection ICRC – all activities aimed at ensuring full respect for the rights of the individual in accordance with the letter and spirit of the relevant bodies of law. ODI – the provision of immediate or short- term security and safety to civilian. Military roles are one component to achieve civilian protection.

Definition of child protection in emergencies SCI – the prevention of and response to abuse, neglect, exploitation of violence against children in emergencies. Specific issues in events of armed conflict: -Address cases of violence against children -Specific provision in peacekeeping missions -Advocate to control illicit activities and comply with int. law and HR for children -Family tracing & reunification, re-intergration if assoc. with armed forces/groups

Syria example… Humanitarian community should: -Include CP in assessments -Provide adequate funding for CP -Use Minimum Standard for CP in Humanitarian Action (global std) -Mainstream CP in responses -Ensure CP response build on and strengthen local capacities -Include CP in post-conflict planning

Humanitarian civil-military coordination In addition to during armed conflict, rise of military engagement in humanitarian action in: - “stabilisation” or peacekeeping -natural disasters (eg 2004 Tsunami) Both can be or be perceived as being political Save involvement in training the military (eg peacekeepers) in child rights and protection

Quotes… There is nowhere for us. The soldiers go everywhere, even into our homes. (11 yr old Palestinian boy) Another thing they do to use children to protect themselves, They know we can’t shoot our own children, so they put the children in front – so they’re a human shield – and march into our village. Its terrifying for the children. Many of them die. (15 yr old Syrian boy)

Discussion points Long term impact of not protecting children’s rights as failure to do so affects progress in all sectors. Breakdown of national and community-based child protection system make children esp vulnerable to abuse, exploitation, violence and neglect.