HQ
LANDCOM, in close coordination with Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe
(SHAPE), Supreme Allied Commander Transformation (SACT), United Nations
Department for Peacekeeping Operations (UNDPKO), The United Nations Office of
Special Representation to the Secretary General on Children and Armed Conflict
(UNOSRSG),United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) as well as other key
International Non-Governmental Organizations, organized and hosted the first
NATO Children and Armed Conflict Training from 25-28 September 2017 in Izmir,
Turkey.
NATO’s
Children and Armed Conflict Policy was adopted in 2014 at the Wales Summit
complementary to UNSCR 1612 and related resolutions for the protection of
children. NATO is deeply concerned that children continue to be the victims of
grave violations, especially the six human rights violations identified by the
UN Secretary General: the killing or maiming of children; recruitment or using
child soldiers; attacks against schools or hospitals; sexual violence;
abduction; and denial of humanitarian access.
Over
40 participants from NATO HQ, the NATO Command Structure, NATO Force Structure,
and LANDCOM participated in this training. The instructors and observers came
from organizations such as the NATO LANDCOM, NATO RSM Afghanistan, UNDPKO,
UNOSRSG, UNICEF, ICRC, and other International Non-Governmental Organizations.
The objective of the NATO Children and
Armed Conflict (CAAC) training was to enhance and integrate knowledge of impacts
of armed conflict on children, the six grave human rights violations and the
responsibilities under the international legal framework into planning,
execution and assessment process. The learning module focused on critical
thinking, interactive discussion and practical application of key concepts.