Ensuring Child Protection in Armed Conflict: an International Legal Perspective Under SDG 16

Objective: This study aims to analyze how international legal provisions define and protect children’s rights during armed conflicts, highlighting its relevance to Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 16 on “Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions.” Theoretical Framework: The research draws on international human rights and humanitarian law instruments, notably the Convention on the Rights of the Child and the Geneva Conventions, emphasizing the non-combatant status of children and their entitlement to protection from violence, intimidation, and exploitation. Method: Adopting a normative legal approach, primary, secondary, and tertiary legal materials were gathered and systematically analyzed using descriptive techniques. Legal provisions and scholarly sources were classified to clarify the conceptual scope of children’s rights in conflict contexts. Results and Discussion: Various international legal instruments unequivocally affirm that children must be treated as non-combatants under all circumstances, reinforcing comprehensive safeguards against violence and exploitation. Violations remain prevalent, reflecting gaps in implementation and enforcement, which in turn jeopardize children’s wellbeing and development. Research Implications: The study underscores the necessity for stronger monitoring and accountability mechanisms within international and domestic legal frameworks. Strengthening inter-agency collaboration can enhance enforcement, aligning with SDG 16’s vision to foster just, peaceful, and inclusive societies. Originality/Value: By integrating core humanitarian principles with the broader development agenda of SDG 16, this study provides a holistic perspective on child protection. It contributes to the academic discourse and offers policy insights for improving children’s welfare and safeguarding their fundamental rights in conflict situations.