Rarely do young people who have been involved in armed conflict have a voice in peace processes, policymaking, and related programming decisions that impact them. To address this gap in the effectiveness of programming to support young people exiting armed groups, MEAC collaborated with War Child UK on this illustrative tool.
In a conflict-sensitive way, this participatory tool helps researchers and practitioners assess the needs of people impacted by conflict, including those who were once associated with armed forces and armed groups. The tool was designed to be child-friendly, but it can be used as a way of introducing difficult conversations with adults as well.
This helps participants – particularly children who may not be used to being asked about their experiences and perspectives - to articulate the risks and challenges they face as well as the sources of strength and support they encounter in conflict contexts, including for those who have left armed groups.
In August and September 2019, this model was pilot-tested through War Child’s VoiceMore groups in Bossangoa and Paoua, Central African Republic (CAR). The tool, and the pilot with conflict affected children and youth, were then presented to the Security Council as part of an Arria formula meeting on child reintegration on 26 November 2019.
Citation: MEAC and WarChild, High Stakes: Participatory Research & Programming Tool for Conflict-Affected Populations (2019)