Watchlist Policy Report, 2003
United Nations Security Council Resolutions 1261, 1314, and 1379 on Children and Armed Conflict (CAC) provide a strong mandate for international action to protect the security and rights of children in situations of armed conflict. The current challenge is effective implementation of these resolutions. The Watchlist on Children and Armed Conflict appreciates the progress that has been made in recent years. At all levels there is increased awareness of the impact of armed conflict on children and the need to improve child protection. The on-going work of the Special Representative for Children and Armed Conflict has raised the profile of the issue within the UN system, and progress has been made in integrating child protection into peacekeeping operations. In the public arena, networks of interested groups and individuals are growing and more media attention is being paid to the impacts on children, such as in Afghanistan and the Middle East.
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