Portugal
Protection For Children in Conflict Zones
Sophia Lazzaroni
Badger High School
Third Committee
Portugal was not only the first country ever to colonize, but the longest lasting empire,
lasting up to 6 centuries. Africa, not unlike any other European countries, rushed to colonize
Africa and colonized over 59 countries worldwide. However, when decolonization occurred,
borders of states were different, and much of the armed conflict that occurs today is due to the
turmoil caused “White Man’s Burden”, that swept through Europe in the 1700’s. It is now the
responsibility of European countries not only to right the wrongs done to countries suffering
from decolonization, but to ease their transition. Although Africa has been decolonized for
nearly a century, prejudice and hatred remains. The armed conflict that has arisen in many
African countries and throughout the world is largely the fault of European countries such as
Portugal and it is their duty to protect innocent citizens, especially children.
Ever since the 1949 Geneva Convention and 1977 Additional Protocols, both specific and
general protection work to protect children in armed conflict. Specific protection is given to
them since they are children and general protection granted them as citizens not involved in the
hostilities. Some issues that currently exist include the use of children in the armed forces, rape
or sexual violence against children, attacks on schools and hospitals, killing, and
abductions. While the UN applauds the efforts of UNICEF, UNHCR, ILO, and many other
peacekeeping organizations dedicated to protecting children there is still much to be
done. Portugal acknowledges that member states are responsible for punishing war crimes and
crimes against humanity. However in some cases, national justice cannot be administered and
international justice mechanisms must be utilized. More important than these consequences
however is preventing crimes against children entirely.
One of the greatest existing problems are that children are often involved in armed
conflict as child soldiers against their will. Portugal suggests that a NGO be created to prevent
such activities. Laws need to be created worldwide that prevent such crimes against
humanity. This NGO would also be created with the purpose of training police and other
personnel to prevent recruitment of children into the army. Not only do laws need to be created,
but these laws need to be upheld by each individual member state. Only through international
cooperation can laws be upheld and safety of children restored. In areas already involved in
armed conflict who possess child soldiers, upon inaction of such laws, children will be
displaced. They will no longer have a job, nor will they have a family to go home to. In areas of
conflict, families must leave their homes and the UN is essential in reuniting such families. Until
then children must be kept out of prison as well as fed and clothed. This NGO would therefore
provide funding for food and clothing, along with temporary housing for released child
soldiers. This would be an extension of the already existing ICRC program which reunited 1,749
children with their families last year alone. While the process may be costly and time consuming
Portugal believes it is an infringement on human rights to ignore the problem any longer.