Children, Conflict, and Compliance: The Law’s Failing Frontlines

Abstract

The world is still struggling with the issue of children being involved in armed conflict which greatly harms them. The Optional Protocol on the Involvement of Children in Armed Conflict (OPAC) which was ratified in 2000, is an important step toward fighting this crime against children. The chapter discusses the terms of OPAC, especially those that make it illegal for anyone under 18 to take part in fighting and give countries an obligation to protect children from conflict. Even though these agreements are approved by every country, it is still difficult to enforce them, because of problems with non-state armed groups recruiting children, a lack of good oversight and missing reintegration support for former child soldiers. Using case studies and the law, the chapter highlights the difference between what the law calls for and what happens in practice and suggests making enforcement stronger. Also, it explains that helping children affected by war requires efforts to resolve poverty, lack of education and unstable political forces. There is a call for countries to cooperate more and work harder to protect children affected by war using broad laws and policies. Despite being a breakthrough in child protection law, the OPAC must be backed up by continuous international effort to see its promises come to life.