As the only New York-based independent advocacy network dedicated to the issue of children and armed conflict, Watchlist works closely with the UN Secretariat, UN agencies, and diplomatic missions, where we recommend policy changes and advocate for the adoption and implementation of global child protection policies.
This is done through mainstreaming child protection concerns in the country-specific work of the UN Security Council and its Working Group on Children and Armed Conflict, through influencing the Council’s thematic debates and resolutions on children and armed conflict, and targeted policy research on specific topics that push the overall agenda forward.
Mainstreaming
Watchlist assists UN Security Council Members in mainstreaming child protection in its country-specific and thematic work by publishing Children and Armed Conflict (CAC) Monthly Updates highlighting upcoming developments concerning children affected by armed conflict on the Council’s program of work and providing targeted recommendations for effective Security Council action regarding those situations.
UN Security Council Working Group on Children and Armed Conflict
Watchlist closely follows the UN Security Council Working Group on Children and Armed Conflict and provides recommendations for the Working Group’s consideration of country-specific situations and for strengthening its working methods.
Security Council Open Debates
Watchlist conducts targeted advocacy around the UN Security Council’s thematic debates on children and armed conflict. We lobby for the adoption of thematic resolutions or presidential statements, and influence country statements in order to ensure actions are taken that will maximize the protection of children in armed conflict.
Policy Research
In order to advance debates and influence targeted policy outcomes, Watchlist produces periodic think pieces, accompanied with recommendations. We use our publications as tools for advocacy. We broadly disseminate our publications with the relevant policymakers at the UN, including its Member States and agencies, and more broadly among practitioners working on child protection worldwide.
