International policy on the protection of children’s rights in conflict zones: The experience of Syria and Yemen
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: The relevance of this study is driven by the growing urgency of protecting children’s rights in armed conflict zones against the backdrop of an increasing number of protracted wars and the growing complexity of international humanitarian response efforts. This study aimed to analyse the effectiveness of international mechanisms for the protection of children’s rights in armed conflicts, using the cases of Syria and Yemen as examples. The methodological framework of the study was based on an interdisciplinary approach combining structural-institutional and comparative analysis with the analysis of international legal norms. These findings also showed that international policy for the protection of children’s rights in Syria and Yemen is primarily reactive and is largely oriented towards eliminating the humanitarian consequences and not the causes of structural child rights violations. According to the study, the main obstacles to the efficient use of international mechanisms are the unavailability of a number of large areas for humanitarian operations, for the implementation of monitoring and inspection missions; political differences in the United Nations Security Council; the effects of sanctions and the blockade regime; and the lack of sufficient mechanisms for ensuring accountability for grave violations of children’s rights. Comparative analysis showed that in Syria, the most important factors determining the situation are the military and political nature of the conflict in many countries and the dependence of humanitarian operations on the international political situation, and in Yemen, this is a combination of economic and political crisis, blockade and degradation of government institutions. It can be concluded that the effectiveness of international policy on the protection of children from armed conflicts could increase if humanitarian activities are depoliticised, control and enforcement mechanisms are strengthened, and there is a close connection between humanitarian operations and political efforts for the de-escalation of conflicts. The results of this research may be used to understand the limits and opportunities of international law and institutions regarding the protection of the most vulnerable. They could also contribute to the formulation of more effective humanitarian policy tools in conditions of armed confrontation
Source: FOREIGN AFFAIRS
Authors: Liana Malkhasyan*, Garnik Safaryan
Language: English
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
OpenAlex ID: W7203835402