Children and fighting forces: 10 years on from Cape Town

Area of Science:

• Child Protection Studies
• International Development
• Peace and Conflict Studies

Background:

• The Cape Town Principles (2007) marked a decade of efforts in preventing child soldier recruitment and promoting reintegration in Africa.
• Significant advancements have been observed in programming for children formerly associated with armed forces and groups (CAAFG).
• Persistent knowledge gaps hinder comprehensive and effective reintegration strategies for CAAFG.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine empirical evidence and lessons learned in the reintegration of children formerly connected with fighting forces.
• To evaluate existing knowledge, promising practices, and gaps in key programming areas for CAAFG.
• To identify the need for more systematic studies to strengthen the evidence base for interventions.

Main Methods:

• Review of empirical evidence and documented lessons learned from programs supporting CAAFG.
• Evaluation of existing literature and practices across five critical programming domains.
• Analysis of the impact of international commitments like the Paris Commitments (2007).

Main Results:

• Progress noted in psychosocial support, community acceptance, education, livelihoods, inclusive programming, and monitoring for CAAFG.
• Identification of specific lacunae within each programming area, highlighting areas needing further development.
• Emerging consensus on many issues, as evidenced by the Paris Commitments, but a need for more robust evidence.

Conclusions:

• While progress has been made, substantial gaps remain in the evidence base for effective child soldier reintegration programs.
• Further systematic research is critical to inform and enhance interventions for CAAFG.
• Continued international commitment and evidence-based programming are essential for the successful social reintegration of CAAFG.