Next steps to protect children in armed conflict: Briefing Note to the UN Security Council

This briefing note outlines practical and achievable steps that the UN Security Council can take to ensure stronger protection for children affected by armed conflict. The recommendations detailed in this note are based on 32 interviews with child protection stakeholders, including members of the Security Council Working Group on Children and Armed Conflict (Working Group), UN agencies, field- and headquarters-based nongovernmental organization (NGO) staff, members of the Group of Friends, and subject experts. The note is timed to coincide with the Security Council’s annual Open Debate on Children and Armed Conflict (CAC), scheduled for July 2011, and seeks to inform any discussions regarding a new Security Council resolution.