Shielding Innocence: An Analytical Exploration of Safeguarding the Children in Conflict Zones under International Humanitarian Law

Abstract

Children are exposed to violent, exploitative, and harmful forms of maltreatment. It happens everywhere, including in homes and schools, which are supposed to be the safest places for children. There are three different forms of child abuse: sexual, emotional, and physical. It happens often that Children endure suffering at the hands of those they can rely on. Under humanitarian grounds, children are especially susceptible. Children can be forced to leave their houses due to war situations, natural disasters, or other calamities; some may suffer abuse and exploitation during this time. There could be injury and perhaps death. All people, but notably women and girls, are seriously threatened by gender-based violence. On a global scale, unfavourable cultural practices are a major source of concern. Though child marriage and female genital mutilation are recognized as international crimes against human rights, hundreds of millions of girls have been victims of both. Every child has the right to be shielded from abuse, violence, and exploitation regardless of the situation. From the moment of birth, child protection systems provide children with access to fair legal systems and essential social services. In this research paper author tries to analyze the security and shielding of children under International Humanitarian law. By conducting a comprehensive legal framework analysis of child rights under international humanitarian law, valuable insights are provided into the protections afforded to children in situations of armed conflict.