From combat to community. Reclaiming identity: a gendered analysis of international reintegration efforts in the rehabilitation of former female child soldiers

Abstract

In the past 25 years since child soldiers became an issue of transnational justice, there is still an urgent need for a gendered approach to reintegration efforts. This thesis contextualizes the crisis using key frameworks such as the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) and the annual reports of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict (SRSG CAAC). A critical analysis highlights both the historical and evolution of international child protection mechanisms and the gaps between the CRC’s intentions and its practical implications for child soldiers. Emphasizing a gender-sensitive approach, this thesis sheds light on the unique challenges girls face in armed conflict, exemplified through a case study of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. A detailed case study thoroughly explores the specific vulnerabilities of girls within this context and examines the effectiveness and shortcomings of current reintegration efforts in the DRC. By advocating for a nuanced understanding of gender concerning child soldiering, this thesis seeks to contribute to more effective policy and practice aimed at safeguarding the rights and well-being of former child soldiers, especially girls, and facilitating their successful reintegration into society.