Children and youth in the focus of the international universal system of conflict prevention and resolution

The article explores the issue of the status of children and youth in the context of armed conflicts. It analyzes the provisions of fundamental international treaties related to the protection of this category of persons, adopted under the auspices of the UN; special attention is given to key UN Security Council resolutions addressing youth, peace, and security. The article emphasizes the role of UN peacekeeping missions in integrating youth-focused principles into their operations, such as security sector reform, community engagement, disarmament, demobilization and reintegration, reducing community violence, and promoting human rights. It also highlights support for governments in addressing barriers to meaningful youth participation and fostering cooperation with youth organizations to encourage authorities to involve young people in local conflict resolution and international peacebuilding efforts. Positive practices of peacekeeping operations supporting children and youth are highlighted (e.g., South Sudan (UNMISS), Kosovo (UNMIK), Cyprus (UNFICYP)). The article underscores the role of the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict, who actively works to protect children affected by conflicts, particularly through the “Zero under Eighteen” campaign, which advocates for universal ratification of the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the involvement of children in armed conflict. A significant aspect of this work is systematic engagement with UN member states, involving close cooperation with the General Assembly, the Security Council, and regional organizations; bilateral contacts and field visits are conducted to secure political will from the international community for the effective protection of children and youth affected by war. The Special Representative also works closely with UN agencies and programs to develop and implement the agenda on children and armed conflict. The activities of the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) are also described, including projects promoting the release, rehabilitation, and reintegration of child soldiers, and calls on conflict parties to fulfill their international obligations to immediately cease violations of children’s rights and attacks on civilian infrastructure, including schools and hospitals. Relevant conclusions and recommendations are provided.