2021 marked an important year for children affected by armed conflict: the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the United Nations’ Children and Armed Conflict (CAAC) mandate, the 20th anniversary of Security Council Resolution 1379 (2001), which first mandated the Secretary-General to publish a list of parties to conflict who recruit and use children in their ranks, and the International Year for the Elimination of Child Labour. In addition to these key milestones, Watchlist on Children and Armed Conflict celebrated the 20th anniversary of its founding in 2001. These occasions provided an opportunity to reflect and take stock of progress made towards protecting children in armed conflict, as well as to identify existing gaps and emerging challenges.

Watchlist’s 2021 Annual Report describes the progress made last year, as well as the need to continue to defend and uphold existing protection frameworks, strengthen efforts to prevent conflict before it starts, and promote accountability for and to children.

Read more in Watchlist’s 2021 Annual Report.