Seen, but not Heard

For all those who read the pages of this important study, they will undoubtedly appreciate the important responsibility the security sector has towards children. It will enable them to think through how child protection strategies can become an integral part of efforts to create a more secure and better world. What is particularly impressive is that the reflection and arguments presented here bring together and combine a common vision of the priorities that influence the security sector and civil society, and this fact alone is full of promise for it envisages investments in children today that will benefit the young people who will become the leaders of tomorrow.

Graça Machel, Expert to the United Nations Secretary-General for the Report on the Impact of Armed Conflict on Children (1996)

Having reviewed this book for DCAF with considerable interest, I have not changed my mind in thinking that this is an excellent opportunity to broaden the debate on conflict and children away from just child soldiers, but to focus also on young people in general and the active contribution that they have to make to peacebuilding and social development. From a security governance perspective there is a clear responsibility on the part of multiple actors at multiple layers to formulate the collaborative approaches required to provide a secure environment for all children everywhere.

Paul Jackson, Head of the School of Government and Society at the University of Birmingham, UK