Private Military Companies and Child Rights

As armed conflicts increase globally, and as military and security functions become increasingly outsourced, private military companies have become prominent actors in conflict-affected environments where children face heightened risks. This project examines the role of private military companies in armed conflicts and considers the implications of their operations on children’s rights

Drawing on desk-based research, legal analysis, documented cases and interviews with UNICEF field staff and practitioners, we provide an exploratory assessment of how their presence and activities may affect children. The analysis suggests that the operations of private military companies may be associated—directly or indirectly—with all six grave violations against children identified under the United Nations Security Council’s children and armed conflict agenda.

Findings indicate that existing frameworks are insufficient to prevent, monitor or address the impact of the operations of private military companies on children’s rights. Based on the findings of the project, we propose targeted recommendations to strengthen regulation and oversight, and ensure the full respect of children’s rights in conflict-affected contexts.