The Children and Armed Conflict (CAAC) Primer aims to raise awareness and knowledge of the CAAC agenda. This free online course empowers and enables participants to contribute to the implementation of the agenda through their work.

Introduction

The mandate of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict was created by the General Assembly (Resolution A/RES/51/77) following the publication, in 1996, of a report by Graça Machel titled the “Impact of Armed Conflict on Children”. Her report highlighted the disproportionate impact of war on children and identified them as the primary victims of armed conflict.

Since the adoption of Security Council Resolution 1261 (1999), the systematic engagement of the UN Security Council has firmly placed the situation of children affected by armed conflict on its agenda, recognizing the widespread impact of armed conflict on children and the long-term consequences this has for durable peace, security and development.

The CAAC Primer has been developed by the Office of the Special Representative for Children and Amed Conflict (OSRSG CAAC) and the United Nations System Staff College (UNSSC) thanks to the financial support of the Ministry for Foreign and European Affairs and Trade for the Republic of Malta. It builds on the lessons learned during the Virtual Summer School on Child Protection in Armed Conflict.

Course methodology

The CAAC Primer is a self-paced online course hosted on the UNSSC e-Lounge platform. After registering, you will be granted immediate access to the learning platform and all learning materials.

Course contents

The Primer features four foundational learning modules to provide learners with the necessary basic knowledge to mainstream the CAAC agenda in their work. They cover the following:

• Module 1 – Introduction to the Children and Armed Conflict agenda
• Module 2 – The six grave violations against children in armed conflict
• Module 3 – Key CAAC actors and partners and their roles
• Module 4 – The CAAC toolbox

Target audience

The CAAC Primer is an online course open to all and targeting a diverse range of professionals, including staff members from the UN, governments, regional organizations, civil society, and academia.

Cost of participation

Thanks to the generous support of the Ministry for Foreign and European Affairs and Trade for the Republic of Malta, the CAAC Primer is offered free of charge.