International Law Concerning Child Civilians in Armed Conflict

Each year, many thousands of child civilians are killed, injured, or otherwise physically and psychologically harmed as a result of armed conflicts. There is a considerable body of international law which aims to minimize the harm inflicted on these children, and yet it is little known, or observed. This text focuses exclusively on child civilians. It addresses three main questions: what are the precise rules incorporated in the pertinent body of law, and what are its implementation mechanisms?; how effective is it (with reference to recent conflicts involving Iraq) in helping to achieve some protection for child civilians?; and can it be rendered more effective? The book concludes by proposing a number of strategies to strengthen the impact of the applicable law.