In a significant call to action, Human Rights Watch (HRW) has urged the United Nations to strengthen protections for children in an upcoming treaty aimed at facilitating the international prosecution and extradition of those accused of crimes against humanity. The organization’s statement on Monday highlighted that the current draft of the treaty only references children twice, raising concerns about the adequacy of protections for this vulnerable group.
According to HRW, the draft treaty neglects critical issues affecting children, including various forms of persecution based on age and the recruitment of minors by armed forces. The organization emphasized that nearly a third of the world’s population is under the age of 18, with approximately 149 million children residing in high-intensity conflict zones. These children are often subjected to heinous crimes such as murder, rape, torture, and slavery.
Alicia Buenrostro Massieu, Deputy Permanent Representative of Mexico to the United Nations, reinforced the importance of including child-specific provisions in the treaty, stating, “We have a responsibility to build a treaty that does not leave children behind.” This sentiment underscores a growing recognition of the need for comprehensive legal frameworks that address the unique experiences and rights of children.
Calls for Comprehensive Child Protections
The call for enhanced child protections comes as the UN prepares for negotiations scheduled from January 19 to 30, 2024, in New York. Currently, no international treaty mandates countries to enforce laws against crimes classified as crimes against humanity, despite their established prohibition under international law. While these crimes are defined in the Rome Statute, the proposed treaty aims to formalize international accountability for such acts.
HRW pointed out that children are independent rights holders and entitled to special protection and care appropriate to their age. The organization, along with thirty-eight other rights groups and experts, has endorsed a set of proposals from the Global Justice Centre. These proposals advocate for the inclusion of child-specific experiences and protections within the treaty framework.
The current draft’s limited references to children do not adequately reflect the realities many young people face in conflict situations. HRW argues that the treaty must explicitly address the challenges of child recruitment into armed forces and the persecution of minors, ensuring that the rights of children are prioritized.
As discussions at the UN approach, the urgency for a treaty that comprehensively protects children is clear. Advocates are calling for a robust legal framework that acknowledges and responds to the specific vulnerabilities that children face in times of conflict. The outcome of these negotiations could have a profound impact on the future of child protection on a global scale.
