Organizations and Websites
Source: www.peacebuild.ca/working/?load=childrenThe CACWG is a Canadian network of international development agencies, human rights organisations, academics, youth groups and concerned individuals who share and analyse information regarding children in conflict zones. They aim to improve protection for the security and rights of children threatened and affected by armed conflict. The CACWG website contains useful resources on war-affected children, including links to international organisations working to protect the security and rights of children in armed conflict. In addition it provides access to listserv on children and armed conflict.
Source: www.child-soldiers.orgThe Coalition to Stop the Use of Child Soldiers was formed in May 1998 by leading international human rights and humanitarian organizations. Although its headquarters are in London, it has regional and national networks in Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America and the Middle East. Amnesty International, Defence for Children International, Human Rights Watch, International Federation Terre des Hommes, International Save the Children Alliance, Jesuit Refugee Service, and the Quaker United Nations Office-Geneva make up the international steering committee. The site contains special sections on international standards on children and armed conflict; information for journalists and for schools; and information on DDR. Users can sign up for email alerts and access electronic versions of the Coalitions newsletters and annual reports. There is a comprehensive Links section to other organisations from around the world working on the issue of children and armed conflict.
Source: www.un.org/special-rep/children-armed-conflict/English/index.htmlThe mission of the UN Office of the Special Representative is to “promote and protect the rights of all children affected by armed conflict.” Created in 1997 with the UN Secretary-General appointment of Mr. Olara A. Otunnu as his Special Representative for children and armed conflict, this post has been filled by Ms. Radhika Coomaraswamy since 2006. Although the office does not operate programmes directly, it works with UN agencies and NGOs that do have programmes in conflict areas. The website contains information on the work of the Special Representative by topic and by country, international law instruments and the Secretary-General’s reports to the Security Council and the General Assembly, access to key UN documents and links to partner organizations.
Source: www.unicef.org/children_conflictUNICEF was created in 1946 with the purpose of work with others to overcome the obstacles that poverty, violence, disease and discrimination place in a child’s path. In 1953 UNICEF became a permanent part of the UN. This UNICEF website contains information on children and armed conflict. It provides information on UNICEF’s previous work, current initiatives, and new challenges. The website also contains key publications and resources, and links to the official site of the Winnipeg conference and others that contain valuable related information.
Source: www.essex.ac.uk/armedconThe Children and Armed Conflict Unit is a joint project of the Children's Legal Centre and the Human Rights Centre at the University of Essex and now sits in the international section of the Children’s Legal Centre. “Set up in 1997, following the groundbreaking report on the impact of armed conflict on children by Graça Machel, the Unit’s patron, we work around the world to improve the situation for civilian children caught up in armed conflict and civil unrest and for those emerging from years of violence.” This site is updated daily with world headlines on current conflicts, humanitarian issues, and how they affect children. It provides country-specific information on conflict areas and theme-specific information. The site also provides a comprehensive database of all relevant international and regional law, reports and documents and information on international and regional organisations.
Source: www.warchild.orgWar Child is a network of independent organisations working across the world to help children affected by war. War Child International currently consists of two independent and mutually reinforcing implementing offices: War Child Holland and War Child Canada. Their website provides general information about War Child’s mission and activities worldwide and links to individual country websites for more information on War Child’s programmes.
Source: www.watchlist.orgThe Watchlist is a global network that strives to end violations against children in armed conflicts and guarantee their rights by builds partnerships among local, national and international non-governmental organizations. Their website contains all Watchlist country specific reports which seek to provide a holistic picture of the impact of armed conflict on children’s lives. They cover the broad spectrum of violations against children’s rights during armed conflict. The website also provides access to information on their activities; advocacy letters; and policy statements related to the annual UN Security Council debate on children and armed conflict. A comprehensive links and resources section for additional information provides linkages to partner organizations and access to relevant news and journals.
Source: http://www.gypi.org/The Global Youth Peacebuilding Initiative is a project in which young people from around the world look at their roles, rights and responsibilities in peacebuilding and reconciliation. GYPI works to promote youth participation in peacebuilding processes and activities; enhance young people’s knowledge about the causes and dynamics of conflict, and potential pathways to peace; and contribute to the empowerment of local youth and organizations. The site has information on conferences and events.
Source: http://www.seedsofpeace.org/Seeds of Peace is a youth centered capacity building NGO who’s mission “is to empower leaders of the next generation.” They work to sow the seeds of peace among the next generation of leaders by educating them to develop empathy, respect and confidence. Their programs hopes to equip youth with communication and negotiation skills, enable them to see the human face of their enemies and empower them to emerge as tomorrow’s leaders. The site contains information on programs and participants.
Source: http://www.unoy.org/The United Network of Young Peacebuilders (UNOY Peacebuilders) is a global network of young people and youth organizations active in the field of peacebuilding. Their central areas of action are: networking; training; empowerment for action and support to youth projects; campaigning and advocacy; and practical research on the role of youth in peacebuilding. One of their main activities is capacity building of youth in Europe and Africa. They provide an online resource for articles on youth and peacebuilding.
Source: www.youthactionforchange.org“Youth Action for Change is a global, youth-led organization inspiring and empowering young people worldwide to become active agents of change in their communities.” Their website provides access to free online courses; information about YAC projects; access to the YAC forum; and information and links to partner organizations.
Source: www.yap.orgYouth Action for Peace is an international youth movement, which aims to foster peace, justice, and self-determination. Since 1923 YAP they have promoted peace and dialogue in local communities through the active participation of young people. “The active participation of young people from all around the world in local community projects and international training courses together with the support from the local communities enable us to transform society towards social inclusion, justice, and peace.” Their site contains information about YAP projects, how to volunteer and become a member, as well as links to partner organizations.
Source: http://www.unescocat.org/youthnetwork/A project of UNESCO, the Youth Network for Peace Building is an online meeting point for young people from all over the world who are working for peace. Users can find information about projects, courses and meetings relevant to peace building.
Source: Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade of CanadaThis online version of the 2000 Machel Review represents a follow up to the groundbreaking 1996 Machel report entitled The Impact of Armed Conflict on Children. This youth friendly companion is an interactive online version of the report that includes chapter summaries and discussion topics for young people and educators.
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