Abduction of children

The incidence of the abduction of boys and girls has significantly increased in recent years. Parties to conflict have used this practice in systematic campaigns of violence against civilian populations in such countries as Angola, Nepal, Sierra Leone, the Sudan and Uganda. Abduction of children was prevalent in the conflicts in the 1980s in Central America, often leading to permanent "disappearance".

Children are often abducted from their homes, schools and refugee camps. They are exploited for forced labour, sexual slavery and forced recruitment and have been trafficked across borders.

Recommendations relating to cross-border abduction and recruitment

Regional plans of action to combat the cross-border abduction and recruitment of children should include comprehensive, criminal justice-related responses, such as awareness-raising and training for law enforcement, guidelines on the investigation and prosecution of cases and protection and support for victims and witnesses.

Governments, NGOs and United Nations agencies should provide adequate protection, support and services to children who have been victims of abduction, recruitment, trafficking or sexual exploitation. Local, national and international civil society organizations, including the private sector, religious leaders and women's groups, should be engaged throughout this process. Support should be provided for local grass-roots participation and media efforts in raising public awareness about the protection of affected children.