Victimisation of children in armed conflicts and the challenges for the legal system worldwide Shekhar Bandna1, Dr. Patra Sidheswar2 1Research Scholar Uttaranchal University, Dehradun 2Asst. Professor, Uttaranchal University, Dehradu Online published on 22 June, 2018. Abstract Childhood is a period of development that means continuous, intense and fast changes. It is when human resources develop physically and mentally, learning and enhancing knowledge and skills from the surroundings. Due to armed conflicts this vulnerable group is forced to various critical situations like recruitment as soldiers in army, sexual violence against them, abduction etc. Armed conflicts affect each and every aspect of child's growth and development including physical, mental and emotional in the territories of such outbreaks. Past trends show that, those who are concerned with the situation of the children being affected in the armed conflicts have focused primarily on their physical health; the loss, grief and fear which a child has experienced also need equal consideration. Undoubtedly, we are having multiple laws at the international and national levels. But due to the existence of gaps in implementation, inability or unwillingness on the part of the state, insensitive civil society and civil service all contribute to this inhuman situation. The researchers and others should respond to the need of the children and evoke interest among the others to take initiative in this field and make them sensitive towards the vulnerable and critical mental situation of these young victims of the society. This research paper is to understand the legal guidelines for military operations and civil conflicts with respect to involvement of children in global front. Here an attempt is made to highlight the sufferings and losses to children due to violations of these laws. The paper also tries to throw some light on the areas where the enforcement is lacking and to find out the possible areas of some improvement. Top Keywords Civil conflicts, armed conflicts, children in armed conflicts, child soldier, Geneva conventions, war victims. Top |