In Focus – 45mn

In partnership with Save the Children.

In the world’s worst modern conflicts children are exposed to explosive weapons – rockets, mortars, grenades, mines and improvised explosive devices (IEDs). In the five deadliest conflicts for children in 2017, Save the Children analysis of UN data shows nearly three-quarters of all child casualties were caused by explosive weapons. Since the UN started tracking numbers of grave violations against children fourteen years ago; over 100,000 children have been killed and maimed in conflicts around the world. Formed in December 2018, the Paediatric Blast Injury Partnership brought together academics, scientists and practitioners from the military and humanitarian space who all agreed that children have unique vulnerabilities to the weapons of modern war. This partnership has subsequently evolved and brought in more organisations committed to finding practical solutions to this devastating challenge. This panel will look at some of the latest trends at providing healthcare for children in conflict and will formally launch the French translation of the world’s first Paediatric Blast Injury Field Manual. It will also talk to the hope being attached to a new political declaration, led by Ireland, to address the humanitarian harm caused by explosive weapons in conflict.

SPEAKERS:

• Dr. Michael von Bertele, University of Southampton
• James Denselow, Head of Conflict Team at Save the Children
• Alma Al Osta, Protection of Civilians Advocacy Manager, Humanity & Inclusion
• Dr. David Henson, Imperial College London