As the only New York-based network of international non-governmental organizations dedicated to the issue of children and armed conflict, Watchlist works closely with decision-makers at the UN Security Council where we recommend policy changes and advocate for the adoption and implementation of global child protection policies.
Watchlist recommends policy changes both at the country-specific level (through our “field monitors”) and at the global level through extensively researched policy reports or shorter, topical briefing notes. We are able to provide regular, substantial contributions to the agenda of the UN Security Council, both through formal policy documents and through ongoing, informal policy advice.
Watchlist not only advocates for an end to violations against children in conflict, but also assesses current responses to violations in the framework of the UN-led Monitoring and Reporting Mechanism (MRM), and makes recommendations to further improve its effectiveness on the ground.
Our main counterparts in New York are the diplomatic experts engaged in the UN Security Council’s Working Group on Children and Armed Conflict (Working Group), other diplomatic missions interested in the issue of children in armed conflict (Group of Friends), the Office of the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict (O/SRSG), UNICEF and the Department of Peacekeeping Operations (DPKO).
A crucial element of advocacy is timing, so Watchlist ensures that its initiatives are closely aligned with key influencing opportunities, such as the release of the UN Secretary-General’s reports on the situation of Children and Armed Conflict in a specific country situation in case of the “field monitors” or the publication of the UN Secretary-General’s Annual Report on Children and Armed Conflict and its subsequent discussion by the UN Security Council in an Open Debate for global policy reports or briefing notes.
With our connection to the ground and direct access to the UN, our recommendations are heard and taken into account at the highest level.
