In wartime, children are especially vulnerable. They are all too often drawn into hostilities and there is a myriad of other risks that deprive them of the opportunity to fully experience childhood. The COVID-19 pandemic and its effects have not spared children in contexts affected by war either. The dangers they face are likely to be compounded by the strain on already weakened healthcare systems and the economic impact of the restrictive measures designed to keep the virus in check. In these new and evolving circumstances, how can we provide all children with the protection they are both morally and legally entitled to? How can we ensure that their needs and rights are fulfilled?
These questions are discussed in the virtual launch of the new Review edition on 'Children and War' (released 25 May 2020). This panel discussion titled 'A mirror or a kaleidoscope? Legal regimes protecting children affected by armed conflict' on 8 June 2020, 16h30 – 18h00 CEST, looks at various international, regional and religious legal regimes designed to protect children during armed conflict. The panellists provide the audience with an in-depth understanding of the different legal protection mechanisms and discuss how these are likely to be applied during the current COVID-19 pandemic as well.