Model UN Background Guide

Committee: SOCHUM (GA3)
Topic: Children in Armed Conflict
Conference Year: 2026

1. Topic Background

The use and impact of armed conflict on children remains one of the most pressing humanitarian and human rights challenges of the 21st century. Children affected by armed conflict face grave violations including recruitment as child soldiers, killing and maiming, sexual violence, abduction, denial of humanitarian access, and attacks on schools and hospitals. The global scale of this issue has fluctuated with the emergence of new conflicts and the persistence of protracted wars, particularly in regions such as the Sahel, the Middle East, and parts of Asia.

Historically, international concern about children in armed conflict gained momentum in the late 20th century, culminating in landmark legal instruments such as the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the involvement of children in armed conflict (OPAC) adopted in 2000. Despite these efforts, the recruitment and use of child soldiers remains widespread, with armed non-state actors often exploiting children for combat, support roles, or sexual slavery.

The issue is on the agenda in 2026 due to several evolving dynamics: the protracted conflicts in places like Yemen, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Myanmar continue to expose children to violence; the rise of new armed groups in fragile states exacerbates child recruitment; and the COVID-19 pandemic’s aftermath has worsened vulnerabilities by disrupting education and social services. Additionally, recent reports indicate an alarming increase in attacks on schools and hospitals, threatening children’s right to education and healthcare in conflict zones. The international community is thus compelled to revisit and strengthen protective mechanisms.

2. Key Actors

States

• Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC): Both have experienced extensive use of child soldiers and are heavily engaged in rehabilitation and reintegration programs. They advocate for increased international support and accountability.
• United States: A major donor and advocate for the enforcement of sanctions against parties recruiting child soldiers. It supports programs aimed at prevention and reintegration.
• Russia and China: Often emphasize state sovereignty and non-interference, advocating for solutions that respect national contexts and prioritize development over punitive measures.
• Norway and Switzerland: Champions of international humanitarian law and child protection mechanisms, actively involved in peace negotiations and monitoring.

International Organizations

• UNICEF: The primary UN agency working on child protection, focusing on demobilization, rehabilitation, education access, and psychosocial support.
• Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict (OSRSG-CAAC): Leads monitoring and reporting on grave violations against children in conflict and advocates for compliance with international norms.
• International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC): Provides humanitarian assistance and promotes respect for international humanitarian law concerning children.
• Child Soldiers International (NGO): Influential in advocacy and research, pushing for stronger international action against child recruitment.

3. Bloc Positions

Western and Developed Democracies

Countries such as the United States, Canada, EU member states, Japan, and Australia generally advocate for stringent international legal frameworks and accountability mechanisms. They emphasize sanctions against violators, increased funding for prevention and rehabilitation programs, and robust monitoring and reporting systems. They often call for stronger cooperation with NGOs and civil society.

African and Middle Eastern States

This bloc, including Uganda, DRC, South Sudan, Nigeria, and Yemen, stresses the root causes of child recruitment such as poverty, lack of education, and ongoing instability. They tend to call for increased international assistance for peacebuilding, reintegration programs, and capacity-building for national institutions. Some states may resist external interference perceived as undermining sovereignty.

BRICS and Emerging Powers

Countries like China, Russia, India, and Brazil emphasize respect for sovereignty and non-intervention. They advocate for development-oriented solutions and caution against the overuse of sanctions or punitive measures that could destabilize fragile states. Their focus is often on enhancing national capacities and promoting dialogue and reconciliation.

Human Rights and Humanitarian NGOs (Observer Status)

While not a bloc of states, NGOs active in this area push for zero tolerance of child recruitment, accountability for perpetrators, and comprehensive support for affected children. They advocate for victim-centered approaches and stress the importance of education and psychosocial care.

4. Past UN Action

• Security Council Resolutions 1612 (2005) and 2225 (2015): Established and reinforced the Monitoring and Reporting Mechanism (MRM) on grave violations against children in armed conflict.
• General Assembly Resolution 69/157 (2014): Focused on the protection of children affected by armed conflict, emphasizing prevention and reintegration.
• Security Council Resolution 2427 (2018): Highlighted the importance of reintegration and the prevention of recruitment of children, with particular attention to gender-specific impacts.
• Reports of the Secretary-General on Children and Armed Conflict: Annual reports provide detailed country-specific information on violations and progress, serving as a basis for Security Council action.

5. Questions a Resolution Should Answer

1. How can the international community enhance the prevention of child recruitment and use by both state and non-state armed groups?
2. What measures can be implemented to improve the monitoring and reporting of violations against children in armed conflict?
3. How should reintegration and rehabilitation programs be structured to address the diverse needs of children formerly associated with armed forces?
4. What role should sanctions or legal accountability mechanisms play in deterring recruitment and abuse of children?
5. How can the protection of schools, hospitals, and other civilian infrastructure critical to children be better ensured during armed conflict?
6. What strategies can be adopted to address the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and other humanitarian crises on children in conflict zones?
7. How can cooperation between UN agencies, regional organizations, and NGOs be strengthened to provide comprehensive support to affected children?

6. Further Reading

• UN Documents: Annual reports of the Secretary-General on Children and Armed Conflict, Security Council resolutions related to child protection, UNICEF publications on child soldiers and education in emergencies. These provide official data, mandates, and normative frameworks.
• Think-Tank Reports: Analyses from organizations such as the International Crisis Group, Human Rights Watch, and the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) offer critical insights into conflict dynamics, recruitment trends, and policy recommendations.
• News Outlets: Reputable international news sources like Al Jazeera, BBC, and Reuters provide up-to-date coverage of ongoing conflicts, humanitarian crises, and emerging threats to children in war zones, offering real-time context for delegates.

This background guide aims to equip delegates with a comprehensive understanding of the complexities surrounding children in armed conflict, the key stakeholders involved, and the potential pathways for effective international action in SOCHUM 2026.