In countries around the world, children often bear the brunt of armed conflict. Protracted crises continue to uproot families, destroy homes and schools, and leave countless children vulnerable to armed violence. Particularly heinous consequences of these conditions are the killing and maiming of children in armed conflict, their recruitment and use as child soldiers, sexual violence against young boys and girls, attacks on schools and/or hospitals, child abductions, and the denial of humanitarian access in times of conflict.
In 1996, the United Nations established the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict to strengthen the protection of children affected by armed violence. For more than 20 years, the Special Representative has highlighted the unique challenges faced by children in conflict and fostered international cooperation to protect children from the horrors of war.
Please join the Stimson Center for a discussion on issues surrounding the impact of armed conflict on children. The event will feature a keynote address from the UN Secretary General’s Special Representative for Children and Armed Conflict, Virginia Gamba, which will be followed by an expert panel.
What: A discussion with the United Nations Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict
Where: Stimson Center, 1211 Connecticut Ave NW, 8th Floor
When: Wednesday, October 4, 2017, 10:00 – 11:30am
Livestream: A livestream will appear on this page during the event and can be accessed here.
Follow: @StimsonCenter and @rachelstohl on Twitter for event news and use #StimsonToday to join the conversation.
Featuring:
Brian Finlay, President, Stimson Center (opening remarks)
Virginia Gamba, Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict (keynote)
Kathleen Kuehnast, Director, Gender Policy and Strategy Program, United States Institute of Peace
Eric V Gaudiosi, Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary, Bureau of International Organization Affairs, United States Department of State
Rachel Stohl, Director, Conventional Defense Program, Stimson Center