Protection for Children and Women in Armed Conflicts – International Perspectives and Concrete Approaches

24 scholars, alumnae and alumni from 16 different countries contributed their academic expertise in the fields of international law, humanitarian aid, psychotraumatology and educational work – often combined with concrete experience from their social-charitable or civil society work in their respective countries of origin.

The focus was on critical reflection on international protection mechanisms, the practical challenges of humanitarian aid in violent contexts and the role of education in stabilising life prospects after armed conflicts.

Prof. Dr Jenny Phillimore from the University of Birmingham provided insights into the research project SEREDA – Sexual and Gender-Based Violence against Refugees: Experiences, Responses and Politics of Protection. The project focuses on gender-based violence experienced by refugees – from displacement to the asylum process. Jenny Phillimore showed how women and children in particular are disadvantaged in multiple ways along the refugee routes and in the host countries – for example through a lack of protection, a lack of legal support and inadequate psychosocial care. In particular, Jenny Phillimore emphasised that these people are exposed to minor, major and, above all, recurring aggression – a pattern of structural vulnerability that runs through the entire migration route. In light of the research findings, Jenny Phillimore emphasised the need for concrete protection mechanisms for particularly vulnerable groups. These include support services along migration routes, fair procedures for access to asylum and care, and reliably coordinated assistance from state and civil society actors.

Zimbabwean KAAD scholar Lloyd Kwambana described the child protection situation in his home country and emphasised that many African countries lack binding legislation, clear responsibilities and reliable state protection structures for children. At the same time, Lloyd Kwambana pointed to initial positive developments that indicate slow but effective changes.

Philippine scholar Lovely S. Bernardo reported on the consequences of terrorist violence for women and children in connection with the siege of Marawi in the south of the Philippines in 2017. During the five-month conflict between Islamist militias and government troops, civilians in particular suffered massive human rights violations and displacement. Lovely Bernardo impressively demonstrated how women and children in particular were affected by sexualised violence, structural insecurity and the slow pace of reconstruction. At the same time, she recognised the efforts of civil society to support the victims, promote a long-term reconciliation process and protect vulnerable groups.

Further perspectives from Ukraine, Mexico, Brazil, Afghanistan and Vietnam made it clear how much the global challenge of protecting women and children translates into concrete local realities. Indigenous population groups are particularly affected in many places. They face social and economic disadvantage and structural marginalisation in many countries and often struggle for social recognition and political participation. Women and children suffer in particular: their access to education and healthcare is often restricted because they lack the necessary means and resources.

The seminar made it clear that aggression and border violations do not only originate from the state, but also occur within society, for example through groups, networks or individual actors. Protection can therefore only be effective if a shared sense of responsibility for active intervention and solidarity is developed.

Jenny Phillimore emphasised in this context that, despite the great importance of legal frameworks, individual observation and reaction are particularly crucial for those affected.

The seminar was designed and moderated by Nils Fischer, Head of the Middle East Department at KAAD. The discussions were accompanied by daily spiritual impulses from P. Prof. Dr Ulrich Engel OP and P. Prof. Dr Thomas Eggensperger OP, who opened up the ethical and spiritual depths of the seminar content and encouraged reflection on responsibility, guilt and hope.