Building bridges: sport as a tool for the reintegration of children affected by armed conflict. A case study of Colombia

Abstract

In a world where armed conflicts are not limited to battlefield or soldiers, children are increasingly affected by their devastating consequences. State Parties have the responsibility under Article 39 of the Convention on the Rights of the Child to promote the reintegration of these young victims. The objective of this thesis is to examine whether and how sport can be used as a tool for the reintegration of children affected by armed conflict. After discussing the various impacts of conflict on children and the gaps between legal obligations and practice, the conditions for a successful reintegration of conflict-affected children are explained. Taking these various elements into consideration, the benefits of sport will be discussed, as well as its limitations and challenges. Finally, the case study of Colombia analyses the opinions of coaches, coordinators, mentors and government officials on sport as a reintegration instrument. Moreover, it allows child victims to speak up about their own experiences with sport and how it influenced their reintegration process.