MEDIATION AND CHILDREN IN ARMED CONFLICT: A PATH TO PEACE AND SECURITY di Laura Guercio

Children and young people are among the most vulnerable in armed conflicts, often facing recruitment, displacement, sexual violence, and forced labor, among other threats. These experiences have profound and lasting consequences for both individuals and societies. While efforts largely focus on protecting children, mediation remains an underutilized tool for addressing conflicts at their root and ensuring the protection of children’s rights.

Beyond resolving disputes, mediation can empower young people to actively participate in peace processes that shape their future. This book explores the role of mediation in safe-guarding children in conflict, emphasizing the importance of involving young people as mediators. By equipping them with conflict resolution skills, they gain a voice in peacebuilding while advocating for children’s rights.

This book is part of a project by the Universities Network for Children in Armed Conflict and the Institute of Political Studies San Pius V, with support from the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), dedicated to establishing the Youth-Net Mediators for Peace and Security. This network equips young mediators with skills in conflict resolution, mediation techniques, and child protection strategies, empowering them to promote peace and defend children’s rights in conflict-affected areas.

The book delves into mediation’s theoretical and practical aspects, ethical considerations, and the challenges of involving young people in peace efforts. It also presents real-world examples of YouthNet Mediators in action, demonstrating the transformative role of youth in conflict resolution and peace-building. This aligns with the belief that young people are notjust the leaders of tomorrow but active agents of change today.