Psychosocial support for children: Protecting the Rights of child victims and witnesses in transitional justice processes

This paper presents a short overview of the obligations of states under international law to prosecute persons accused of genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity, torture and enforced disappearances, specifically focusing on crimes against children. It also reviews international norms regarding children who may be accused of having participated in the commission of such crimes themselves – for example, as child soldiers – and identifies some outstanding questions regarding their criminal responsibility for such acts.