November 2025 – Following Watchlist’s 2025 report examining general trends across 25 situations of concern included in the Secretary-General’s annual reports on CAAC, this report takes a closer look at three contexts: 1) the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), 2) Colombia, and 3) Ukraine. In each of these countries, governments have adopted robust domestic legal frameworks relevant to implementing the UN’s CAAC agenda. In this sense, this report examines lessons learned in contexts where governments have been particularly open to integrating relevant international legal and policy instruments into domestic law. However, this report also discusses gaps and persistent challenges that complicate implementation and accountability in all three contexts.
This report focuses primarily on grave violations against children during armed conflict, those being: 1) recruitment and use of children by armed forces and armed groups, 2) killing and maiming of children, 3) rape and other forms of sexual violence against children, 4) attacks against schools or hospitals, 5) abduction of children, and 6) denial of humanitarian access for children. Additionally, the report addresses other issues—including birth registration laws and processes; child justice; children’s access to education, healthcare, and other essential services; and military use of schools and hospitals—that are also relevant to protecting children during armed conflict.
This report’s findings are based on an analysis of relevant legal and policy documents in the DRC, Colombia, and Ukraine, as well as a desk review of relevant literature. Watchlist also conducted 29 consultations and research interviews with practitioners with relevant experience and expertise in one or more of these contexts.
Read the full report here: Preventing and Addressing Grave Violations Against Children During Armed Conflict in Domestic Law: Lessons from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Colombia, and Ukraine
