Innocence under Attack: The Legal Fight against Collective Violence on Children.

Abstract. Children face disproportionate harm from collective violence, such as armed conflict, gang violence, and state-sponsored hostility, leading to severe physical and psychological trauma. Despite international legal frameworks like the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC, 1989), its Optional Protocol on the Involvement of Children in Armed Conflict (2000), and UN Security Council Resolution 1612 (2005), enforcement remains inconsistent, leaving children vulnerable. This study evaluates the effectiveness of these frameworks in preventing collective violence against children and proposes actionable improvements. Using a mixed-methods approach, the study combines qualitative interviews with legal experts, child protection advocates, and policymakers with a systematic analysis of national legislation, international treaties, and case law. Quantitative data on prosecution and conviction rates from 2015–2024 reveal significant enforcement gaps, with only 15% of documented cases resulting in convictions. Inconsistent legal standards across jurisdictions and insufficient child-centred policies exacerbate these issues. Persistent challenges include weak enforcement mechanisms, internal conflicts, and inadequate funding, which hinder domestic laws criminalizing child recruitment. The findings underscore the need for enhanced judicial training, stronger international cooperation, and prioritized preventive measures. Recommendations include updating evidence protocols, establishing international task forces, and reforming legal frameworks to emphasize child-centred justice. By strengthening accountability and prevention, national and international legal systems can better protect children from collective violence, addressing the gap between normative commitments and effective safeguards.