International legal implications for children in conflict zones

Abstract

This article examines the unique vulnerability of children in armed conflict, emphasizing the interplay between their developmental stage, inherent dependency, and evolving legal status. It explores the international legal framework for child protection, which integrates International Humanitarian Law, International Human Rights Law, and International Criminal Law to mitigate the impacts of conflict and ensure accountability for violations. Despite the existence of robust legal instruments, a persistent gap remains between legal norms and their effective implementation, resulting in ongoing harm to children. The article highlights how international law not only prohibits acts such as killing, maiming, and attacks on schools and hospitals but also mandates obligations for recovery, reintegration, and access to health and education—implicitly addressing the psycho-physical harm children endure. Arguing that legal understanding must extend beyond legal professionals to include healthcare providers, the article calls for interdisciplinary collaboration to protect children more effectively. It concludes by advocating for the integration of Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) as an explicit and adequately resourced component of the right to health in humanitarian responses, to address the full spectrum of children's needs in conflict settings.