Children and Armed Conflict: The Yugoslav Experience

Using the Yugoslav experience, this paper seeks to analyse and understand the plight of children in war and its aftermath. It also seeks to evaluate and assess the role and effectiveness of NGOs and other aid-providing entities. Data used include personal observations, relevant documents, as well as first-hand accounts. The main conclusion reached in this study is that due to vulnerabilities associated with age, children in armed conflict suffer more than any other social group. The post-war or long-term consequences are often more severe than the difficulties children face during war. The role of NGOs is more helpful during war but less effective when the guns go silent.