May 2015 – In this briefing note, Watchlist highlights abductions of children in situations of armed conflict and the detention of children allegedly associated with armed forces or groups, through examining the Secretary-General’s annual reports from 2002 to 2014. The note was published ahead of the June 2015 Security Council Open Debate to, in part, influence the resolution on children and armed conflict by providing specific recommendations on expansion of listing criteria to include abductions. Lastly, it urges all parties to ensure that children associated with armed groups or forces are treated primarily as victims, whose treatment should focus on maximizing their potential for effective rehabilitation and reintegration into society.

Read Watchlist’s Briefing Note: Expanding the UN’s Children and Armed Conflict Agenda.