They can amount to serious violations of international law, including International Humanitarian Law (IHL) and International Human Rights Law (IHRL), as applicable. Grave violations and other serious violations or abuses against children in armed conflict 3 are a global phenomenon with demonstrated implications for international peace and security.NATO’s approach to protecting children in armed conflict is based on legal, moral and political imperatives and contributes to the operational success, credibility and legitimacy of NATO’s missions, operations and activities.A human security approach 2 allows a more comprehensive view of the human environment, consequently enhancing operational effectiveness and contributing to lasting peace and security.

As such, NATO’s recently adopted Human Security Approach and Guiding Principles 1, which is to be integrated across all core tasks, provides a heightened understanding of conflict and crisis.NATO remains firmly committed to the North Atlantic Treaty and the Charter of the United Nations (UN). Gender equality and the Women, Peace and Security Agenda are integral to sustainable peace, and are a reflection of our core values and priorities. NATO is committed to defending and promoting the principles of individual liberty, human rights, democracy and the rule of law.

Friends of children and armed conflict