Full of promise: How the UN’s Monitoring and Reporting Mechanism can better protect children

In July 2005, UN Security Council Resolution (SCR) 1612 requested the immediate implementation of a Monitoring and Reporting Mechanism (MRM) to keep under review six categories of grave violations of children’s rights in armed conflict. This resolution is regarded by many as a groundbreaking step in the protection of children affected by conflict. Although the implementation process of the MRM and the other provisions of SCR 1612 have been much discussed and reviewed, the Security Council has not made public any assessment of the impact of SCR 1612, and no account has yet been published analysing what changes the MRM has delivered on the ground. This report aims to fill this gap. It describes the main components of the MRM, presents indications of its impact, and examines factors which may be limiting positive impact. In particular, it looks at three areas: developments in international policy debates and processes; changes in the behaviour of duty-bearers and parties to conflict; and changes in children’s lives. The report concludes with key recommendations for policy-makers and practitioners engaged in assisting children affected by armed conflict.