We’re pleased to announce the 2nd installment of the Children and Armed Conflict Webinar Series, “Detained and Denationalized: the Mistreatment and Detention of Children Associated with Armed Conflict”, held on September 12, 2024 at 10-11am EDT.
From Al Hol, Syria, to Israel to Northern Nigeria, children accused of association with armed groups are increasingly held in detention, often without charge or under conditions that violate their rights under international law. Undergirding this detention is a narrative that portrays children as perpetrators of violence, or even “terrorists”, rather than victims of violence. In detention, children can face ill treatment, sexual violence and torture. In 2024, the United Nations confirmed the detention of at least 2,491 children for “national security reasons” or their actual or alleged association with parties to conflict.
One driver of so many children remaining in detention is the refusal of some nations to accept their citizens’ repatriation. In a disturbing example in Britain, a child was actually stripped of her citizenship after having joined ISIS, and deprived of the assistance and protection she would otherwise receive.
In our upcoming webinar, panelists from the fields of international humanitarian law, child protection and humanitarian action will discuss trends in detention, denationalization, the experiences of children deprived of their liberty, and avenues to address these concerning developments.
PANELISTS:
- Julia Joerin, Child Protection Adviser, ICRC
- Joseph Anthony, Senior Humanitarian Advocacy Advisor, Save the Children International
- Eitan Diamond, Manager and Senior Legal Expert, Diakonia International Humanitarian Law Centre
- Janine Morna, Thematics Researcher – Children, Amnesty International
MODERATED BY:
- Ling San Lau, Associate Research Scientist, CPC Learning Network and Program on Forced Migration and Health, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health
