Institute for Security Studies’ Post

#TransitionalJustice #Conflict #Nepal #Maoist After years of the peace agreement, a political #consensus on a transitional justice bill has been reached. However, international #humanrights organizations have expressed their concerns. Here is my report: https://lnkd.in/gp9KP-CF

The EU updated guidelines on Children and Armed Conflicts is an important step to protecting the lives of children. We pray for the swift implementation of these critical guidelines. 

The EU updated guidelines on Children and Armed Conflict are crucial for protecting #children in the most fragile contexts. With alarming rises in violations against children in conflict zones, the urgency for the #EU to act cannot be overstated. To ensure these guidelines are turned into a concrete action plan with adequate resources and transparent monitoring, the European Parliament and all EU stakeholders must act now!

Critical reminder from colleagues World Vision EU Representation Plan International and Save the Children Europe on the importance of implementation of the new EU guidelines on children and armed conflict and drawing attention to the deteriorating situations in Haiti, Gaza and Sudan, just three of the many humanitarian crises devastating communities and destroying children’s hopes, health, and lives. "In every conflict being waged across the world – those grabbing headlines or far from view – innocent children suffer the most. Last year was one of the worst on record, with the UN’s latest annual report on children and armed conflict revealing that the number experiencing grave violations rose by a shocking 21 percent, with a 35 percent rise in the killing and maiming. This year looks set to beat this grim record, as details of violations of international law and shocking disregard for children’s lives make the news daily. In view of this, last month’s release of the EU’s long-awaited updated Guidelines on Children and Armed Conflict was an important step to enable the EU and its member states to take a stronger, united stance to protect children caught in the crossfires of conflict and war. " What needs to happen? 📢 The EU and its member states must now rally around these guidelines to make them a reality. Three key steps will be necessary to do so: 💡 Firstly, decision-makers need to develop a concrete action plan. Political agreements are only as good as their implementation in practice. The EU must build on current momentum, offering a detailed roadmap to fully and swiftly operationalise these critical guidelines. 💡 Secondly, the EU needs to sufficiently resource efforts to reach the most affected and at-risk children, their parents, guardians and communities. This is also true for EU teams tasked with implementing and monitoring progress, including in partner countries.  💡 Finally, a transparent monitoring process must be put in place that meaningfully involves civil society. The European Parliament has a key role here to ensure accountability both from the Commission and member states.

One month ago, the Council of the European Union published the EU updated guidelines on Children and Armed Conflicts. Will the EU turn good intentions into action? World Vision EU Representation Representative & Executive Director, Jeroen Uytterschaut, Niamh Nic Carthaigh (Plan International EU Office Head of EU Liaison Office and Senior EU Representative) and Willy Bergogne (Save the Children Europe Director and EU Representative) address this question in their EUobserver's op-ed ⤵. "These guidelines come at a critical juncture and must become a compass for the EU’s support to children affected by armed conflict by truly creating a safer and more hopeful future for them. The time for action is now. Children’s lives depend on it." https://lnkd.in/eGMmQgYv

PublicHealthMessage#12: “Tigray’s Quest for Justice: The New Lines Institute Report”. In this video of my #InformedPerspectives program, we covered: - The executive summary of the #TigrayGenocide report by the New Lines Institute - Background to the humanitarian crisis and genocidal war on Tigray - Potential avenues for taking the case to the ICC (any volunteers who could make a name by bringing justice to the people of Tigray?) - Prevention and mitigation factors: contribution of our scientific publications and efforts towards the NLI report - Call for Action: It should be agenda of every Tigrean and friends of Tigray to bring justice to the people of Tigray. Justice delayed is justice denied! To learn more, please watch the below video from my program today. https://lnkd.in/e_4JNq5f

My today's write-ups in TKP. Nepal's Peace Dilemma The failure to conclude the transitional justice process undercuts the achievements in the structural transformation of Nepal. https://lnkd.in/dzit34Gx

In observance of the United Nations #InternationalDayInSupportOfVictimsOfTorture, we reaffirm our dedication to this cause. The day serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing struggle faced by victims of torture and the continuous need for advocacy, support, and legal recourse to address these grievous human rights violations. As part of our project "Strengthening civil societies and the rule of law in Iraq as a peacebuilding tool III" we are supporting victims of torture providing tools to enhance the capacities of Iraqi civil society, community leaders, local authorities, lawyers, and representatives of victims and survivor communities towards transitional justice. We are facilitating specific capacity improvements and behavioral changes, including increased public awareness of violations, stronger systems for accountability, justice, and protection, and structural reforms driven by effective civil society efforts. This will result in affected communities benefiting from a strengthened rule of law and systems of justice and accountability for such violations, making a meaningful contribution to transitional justice in Iraq. ✨ With the backing of ifa (Institut für Auslandsbeziehungen) and Auswärtiges Amt (Federal Foreign Office) Germany, and executed by Mercy Hands and Geneva International Centre for Justice (GICJ), we continue our mission for justice for victims of human rights violations in Iraq. This project isn't just about legalities—it's about restoring dignity, healing wounds, and safeguarding the rights of every individual affected. Ensuring accountability for these violations isn't just a legal obligation; it's a moral imperative, a crucial step towards a more just and humane society. #UNDP #UNHCR #UNICEF #USAID #Iraq #HumanRights #JusticeForVictims #InternationalDay #SupportVictimsOfTorture #EndTorture #Accountability #UNDay #Solidarity #HumanDignity #HealingWounds #MercyHandsEurope #MercyHandsOrganization #GenevaInternationalCentreForJustice #GICJ #InstitutFürAuslandsbeziehungen

Human Rights and Armed Conflict In the midst of armed conflict, the protection of human rights often becomes a casualty of war. Yet, it is precisely during these turbulent times that upholding human rights principles becomes all the more imperative. Armed conflicts, whether international or internal, pose grave threats to the fundamental rights and dignity of individuals caught in the crossfire. Civilians are frequently subjected to violence, displacement, and deprivation, with women, children, and marginalized groups facing heightened vulnerabilities. However, despite the chaos of war, international humanitarian law and human rights frameworks provide essential safeguards for vulnerable populations. These legal instruments establish clear guidelines for the conduct of parties engaged in conflict, prohibiting atrocities such as indiscriminate attacks, torture, and the use of child soldiers. Moreover, humanitarian organizations play a crucial role in providing humanitarian assistance, protecting civilians, and monitoring human rights abuses in conflict zones. Their presence helps mitigate the impact of armed conflict on civilian populations and holds perpetrators accountable for their actions. Yet, despite these efforts, violations of human rights persist in many conflict-affected regions. The targeting of civilians, attacks on essential infrastructure, and the use of chemical weapons are stark reminders of the urgent need for stronger enforcement mechanisms and greater international cooperation. As we confront the grim realities of armed conflict, it is essential to reaffirm our commitment to human rights principles and humanitarian values. By advocating for the protection of civilians, supporting humanitarian initiatives, and holding perpetrators accountable, we can strive to mitigate the impact of armed conflict on the most vulnerable members of society. Ultimately, the preservation of human rights in times of armed conflict is not only a legal obligation but a moral imperative. It is a testament to our shared humanity and a beacon of hope for a more peaceful and just world. #HumanRights #ArmedConflict #InternationalLaw #HumanitarianAid #Peacebuilding #Justice #Accountability #CivilianProtection

The United Nations, in collaboration with governments and international organizations, must urgently prioritize the protection of children in conflict zones. Children are disproportionately affected by war, suffering from violence, displacement, recruitment as child soldiers, and denial of basic rights like education and healthcare. The global community has a moral and legal obligation, under the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, to safeguard these vulnerable lives. Immediate action is needed to enforce international laws that shield children from the horrors of war, ensuring their safety, dignity, and future are preserved amidst conflict. Failure to act is a failure of humanity. World Humanity Commission United Nations UN-Habitat (United Nations Human Settlements Programme) Foreign and Commonwealth Office U.S. Department of State #ChildrenInConflict #ProtectChildRights #StopWarOnChildren #ChildProtection #SaveTheChildren