George Nyakora presented on a pan-African study conducted by the African Movement of Children on the impact of conflict on children in Africa. The study covered 14 countries affected by conflict and found widespread negative impacts. In Nigeria, over 2 million people sought refuge, including 1.4 million children, and Boko Haram was found to have recruited over 8,000 children and used child suicide bombers. Overall, the study highlighted the need for stronger protection of children's rights during conflicts, better coordinated responses, and greater investment in children as part of long-term peacebuilding.

1. Child Protection in Africa Union Peace Support Operations
Knowledge & Learning Event, 7-9 December 2015
Dakar, Senegal
www.africawidemovement.org
George Nyakora
President AMC
AMC PAN –AFRICAN STUDY ON IMPACT OF CONFLCIT
ON CHILDREN IN AFRICA

2. Outline of the Presentation
• Brief Introduction: Who We Are
• Background to the Pan African Study and relationship with Save
the Children International
• Context and Justification for the Study
• Social Development Goal Number 16 – 16.2
• Basic Data on CAC in select countries
• What have we learnt going forward

4. Background to the Study
Reflecting on the Past 25 years UNCRC and ACRWC
Islamic Court in Somalia – the rise of Alshabab – the Youth
Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad (JAS) which
translates to “People Committed to the Propagation of the
Prophet’s Teachings and Jihad”, commonly known as Boko
Haram
UNICEF Report on the State of the World Report 2015
Context and Justification
The Situation in the Sahel Region

5. Scope of the Study
The scope of the study to cover ed Mali, Sierra Leone, Cote d’Ivoire, DRC, Chad, CAR,
Nigeria, Cameroon, Sudan, South Sudan (through the Gambella refugee camps in
Ethiopia and Kakuma refugee camp in Kenya), Uganda, Kenya and Somalia (through
the Dadaab refugee camp in Kenya)
The researchers were able to obtain useful information and record verbatim the
experiences of the children they could reach in distant, remotely located internally
displaced persons (IDPs) camps in the areas covered.
Some national organisations identified by the AMC as potential respondents were not
reached during the field visits. However, the researchers managed to contact and
interview a number through email and telephone communications.

6. Social Development Goal 16 – 16.2
• SD Goal 16. Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable
development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and
inclusive institutions at all levels
• 16.1 Significantly reduce all forms of violence and related death rates
everywhere
• 16.2 End abuse, exploitation, trafficking and all forms of violence against and
torture of children
• Recalling Africa Position Paper on the topic
• Where do we stand now
• How can we build an African Partnership on this Agenda ?
• AU Agenda 2063 - Investing in Children !!

7. Basic Data on CAC - Nigeria
• IOver 2.1 million Nigerians sought refuge in the neighbouring countries, out of which 1.4 million
are children.
• Estimates 4882 persons were killed between January and October 2015 in relation to the conflict
in North-East Nigeria. The numbers of children killed are unknown.
• Between July and September 2015, at least 49 children (28 girls and 21 boys) were killed by
JAS.
• The Office of National Security Advisor estimates that over 8000 children are believed to have
been recruited or are associated with JAS.
• More than 20000 children have been separated from their families.
• Between January and November 2015, at least 76 incidents of suicide bombings have been
reported. These include 21 incidents in which children (4 boys and 17 girls from 10-18 years) were
used as suicide bombers.
• The total number of suicide attack incidents in 2015 is three-times higher than the total number of
suicide attack incidents in 2014 (24), signaling a steep increase in the use of suicide bombing
tactics.

8. Countries Committed to Protecting Schools and Universities
during Conflict (7/35 ---- 7/54)
1. Cote d’Ivoire
2. Liberia
3. Madagascar
4. Mozambique
5. Nigeria
6. South Africa
7. Zambia

9. Lessons _Going Forward
• The Loud Silence from our own organs and Bodies - Role of the RECs
The CoE ACRWC and PSC CP Unit - Civilian Military Relations Balance
Redefining Sovereignty and Internal Affairs
The Six Grave Violations
Exposure of children
Inadequate and non-coordinated responses:
Poor Governance and Exclusion:
Extra-territoriality of Conflict:
Limitations of known response mechanisms
Lack of recognition of the role civil society in conflict prevention, mediation and
transformation.
Funding – Investing in our future is key