What We Do
Within Watchlist’s overall mission to protect the security and rights of children affected by conflict, the Partnerships Program supports civil society organizations in conflict zones in their efforts to monitor abuses and advocate on behalf of children at local, national and global level. Specifically, we foster civil society engagement in the response to grave violations in the framework of Security Council Resolution 1612 and the UN-led Monitoring and Reporting Mechanism (MRM). The Program is also an institutional learning and advocacy tool that builds on a continuous analysis of partners’ experiences to strengthen the MRM at country level and globally.
Why We Do It
Watchlist believes that civil society actors within communities affected by armed conflict play a vital role in the protection of children, as they are able to act as first hand witnesses and first responders to child rights violations. Their in-depth understanding of the conflict is also a crucial element in devising adequate and effective child protection and prevention strategies. Civil society actors are present in affected areas, including in places inaccessible to the UN, and always will be there. They can ensure a sustained and lasting monitoring of and response to violations. Lastly, by creating a link between local actors and the Security Council, Watchlist provides decision-makers with information and recommendations that come directly from affected communities. This not only brings fresh perspectives to the table, but also empowers local actors in a global response to the needs of children affected by armed conflict in their own communities.
With our unique perspective as a bridge between local actors and international policy makers, we are also better able to find and present practical solutions to the protection of children in conflict zones, to those same decision makers.
How We Do It
Watchlist establishes partnerships with organizations in conflict-affected areas where there is an MRM. Criteria for selection include geographical and contextual diversity and added value of a partnership for the protection of children affected by the conflict in the country concerned. Partnerships can include the following:
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Capacity building – For a partner organization that does not have specific expertise in child protection or the MRM but strong interest in engaging with the mechanism, Watchlist provides technical advice on monitoring and reporting activities. The objective is for the partner organization to start documenting conflict-related violations against children and to liaise with the UN/MRM team in country.
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Partnership – For a highly experienced partner, with strong expertise on monitoring and reporting grave violations against children, the collaboration focuses on joint advocacy, on the basis of country-specific or global challenges identified jointly.
