Photo: Andrew Sikorsky

-- TC, 16, former child soldier

Media and other forms of communication can be used to fuel conflict, but also have great potential to help protect children and contribute to peace and understanding between people. Communication forms like print, radio, television, video, theatre and the Internet can reach millions of people, and can be very helpful tools for humanitarian programs. For example, in Mozambique and other areas, photographs and computers were used to help reunite families.

Independent media can provide reliable information about conflicts, and can be used to hold politicians, governments, UN agencies and others accountable for their actions. And because media and communications are fascinating to many young people, they are a great way to empower children and teenagers and get them involved in decision-making, community planning, development and political debate.

Unfortunately, these technologies can also be used to create destruction and death. For example, during the genocide in Rwanda, the radio was used to spread vicious propaganda to fuel ethnic hatred and to encourage people to participate in the killing. In response, media organizations now promote training on responsible journalism and have guidelines to help ensure that children's rights are respected and that children caught in conflicts are not exploited.

• It is estimated that 25% of the countries in the world have fewer than 1 telephone per 100 people. During a war, the situation can be far worse, as communications systems are targeted for destruction or collapse because they are not being maintained.
• In Columbia, schools and youth clubs use 'peace-building kits' that make use of video to train children in how to resolve conflicts.
• In Tanzania, Radio Kwizera offers refugees the chance to participate in broadcasts on topics such as health and nutrition, children's issues, and culture.
• In Resolution 192, the UN Security Council condemned the use of media to promote hatred and provoke war crimes in conflict situations.
• During the first democratic elections in South Africa, the media played a crucial role in voter education and registration, and provided information that helped people decide how to vote.
• The Convention on the Rights of the Child guarantees a child's right to freedom of expression, participation, access to information and leisure. Communication can promote all of these.

1. UN agencies and social groups should explore how modern communications technology can assist in monitoring and assuring child rights in conflict situations.
2. UN agencies and social groups should develop guidelines for their staff to ensure that interactions with the media will not harm children in their charge.
3. Humanitarian agencies should develop programs to teach teenagers to use communications technology to promote health, education and other survival skills in conflict situations in their communities.

Refugee = a person who is forced to flee to another country.