Conflict Sensitivity and Peacebuilding in UNICEF
Technical Note
The note aims to support a more systematic approach in UNICEF to conflict sensitivity and peacebuilding. While conflict sensitivity applies to all programmes, including humanitarian, peacebuilding applies only UNICEF's development programmes. The note explains key concepts, offers tools and approaches, identifies entry points in UNICEF strategies, frameworks and programmes, and provides examples of UNICEF programmatic contributions in this area.
The note recommends three principal directions for UNICEF:
- all UNICEF strategies and programmes in these countries should be informed by a robust conflict analysis;
- all UNICEF strategies and programmes in these countries should be conflict sensitive; and
- UNICEF should take a more explicit and systematic approach to peacebuilding, where appropriate.
These directions involve actions in a number of key areas, including: making peacebuilding for children a national and global priority, including influencing country-specific plans, as well as UN and inter-agency strategies, policies and frameworks; identifying conflict and violence factors affecting children; and integrating conflict sensitivity and peacebuilding into UNICEF strategies, systems, and programmes to reduce risks to children.