Session 903 – Consequences of Armed Conflict on Children and on Youth

Education has been long neglected in emergency relief efforts. Historically, it has been viewed as a development activity, having little to contribute to the basic survival and security needs of refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs) living in temporary or transitional arrangements. In more recent years, international organizations providing humanitarian assistance have been making the case that education in humanitarian crises should be a vital component of basic protection for a range of reasons. First, schools, whether formal or non-formal, have the potential to save lives immediately by providing children and adolescents living in camps with protection from exploitation and harm. Second, educational programs which provide safe spaces for children and adolescents can provide venues where healing from traumatic experiences can take place. Third, education can provide children and youth with a range of life skills appropriate to their circumstances including knowledge of HIV/AIDS prevention and care, landmine awareness and hygiene. Fourth, and most importantly for the longer term, education can contribute to successful transitions to adulthood by positioning young people with the necessary knowledge and skills to become economically productive as adults. A recent study of the long term consequences of abduction for youth from Northern Uganda who are now returning to civilian life after a life as child solders has found that the most pervasive impact of abduction was an interruption of their education, with long term consequences for learning outcomes, quality of employment (skilled versus unskilled work) and earning