The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) has called attention to the plight of 420 million children worldwide living in conflict-affected areas in its annual Open Debate on Children and Armed Conflict on 2 August. The debate focused on killing and maiming as one of the six grave violations against children in conflict, and on the underreporting of sexual and gender-based violence against children.
The UNSC also hailed recent achievements on this issue, including the conviction of Congolese militia commander Bosco Ntaganda and the adoption of UNSC resolution 2427, which recognizes the need to treat children associated with armed groups primarily as victims. JRR is especially grateful to the governments of Liechtenstein and the Nordic countries, who reaffirmed their continued support for JRR’s activities, including JRR’s roster expertise in investigating and documenting SGBV and conflict-related crimes involving children.