Hosts: Switzerland, Luxembourg, and the United Nations Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict
Languages: English, French
Where: room 18
Description:
According to the Convention on the Rights of the Child, the deprivation of liberty of children must be a measure of last resort, and for the shortest period of time. In situations of armed conflict, basic legal safeguards are often lacking, especially when children are detained by military or security authorities for their association with armed groups, or when detained for their protection or rehabilitation. In addition, children deprived of their liberty are further at risk of being exposed to abuse and violations and are often denied their basic rights to education and health care.
This side event organized by Switzerland and Luxembourg, in collaboration with the United Nations Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict, will offer the opportunity to raise awareness about basic standards and principles, as well as legal guidelines and frameworks that apply to the deprivation of liberty of children in situations of armed conflict. The event will also aim to promote and discuss best practices and challenges in elaborating alternative accountability mechanisms and efficient restorative justice processes that meet the best interests of the child. Confirmed speaker: Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict.