Social Science Research Council

The text below describes the key issues addressed in specific sessions of our meeting:

1. The Research Network
Here we hope to focus the discussion on the modus operandi of the research network, i.e. the relationship that should be established amongst the different members and between them and other partners. We will need to discuss issues regarding membership - which organization/individuals do we consider to be members of the network? Partnerships - which organizations/individuals do we consider to be partners? Affiliations to the network - which organization/individuals can be affiliated to the network? How do these processes happen and what do they entail in terms of obligations and benefits that will derive from this association? To give an example: Sometime ago I was approached by a group of scholars who wanted to join the research network on CAC. They looked at the research agenda, put together a proposal and requested a letter - stating their membership in the network - to support their fundraising. How do we proceed in these situations? Who do we include or exclude based on the research quality and experience of these individuals and organizations?

2. Research Projects to be initiated this year
Data for improving interventions and training
This project will focus on the collection of accurate disaggregated data on the impact of armed conflict on children. It will involve not only data collection but also capacity building of local actors as well as international reflection about definitions, terminologies and indicators on CAC to be shared by consortium members and others. The project will be undertaken in four countries (we are thinking of Sri Lanka, Angola, Colombia and the DRC, but these are not cast in stone). This is a very important project that will respond to pressing needs of policymakers, practitioners, donors and activists concerned with the situation of children affected by armed conflict. (See project proposal). The European Commission agreed to make a contribution of one million EUR for this project through ECHO. The access to ECHO funding will have to be mediated by UNICEF, and we are currently working with both ECHO and UNICEF on that.

Strengthening Research Capacity in Conflict Zones
This project is aimed at strengthening the capacity of local actors for research, advocacy and support of children affected by armed conflict in key conflict regions. The project involves regional networking, workshops and training institutes as well as a fellowship program for local researchers. The project was designed to be undertaken in two regions: the Great Lakes in Africa and Balkans in Central Europe. (See project proposal) We have a contribution of 100.000 USD from the Dutch Government to initiate activities in the Great Lakes region. The Belgian government has been approached and is considering an additional contribution for the project in the Great Lakes. So far we have not received any support for the program in the Balkans. We are planning to have a regional workshop in the Great Lakes before the end of the year to discuss regional agendas on CAC, promote regional networking, and plan the three-week training institute in the region.

Questions for discussion about the implementation of these two projects
How to establish local partnerships in these countries/regions? Which organizations have strong presence in these countries/regions? How can network members in these locations contribute to, and benefit, from these projects? Are these the key countries/regions? Are there other countries that should be considered for the data collection project (bearing in mind that for now we can only work in four countries)?

In terms of the research and data gathering - how to balance statistical data with contextual information that will make the numbers more 'meaningful'? How much should we know about these places (history of the conflict, local notions about child participation in war, about transitions from childhood into adulthood etc.) in order to provide a fuller picture of the children's situation vis-a-vis conflict and society? How to balance basic and applied research? What needs to be taken into account in order to facilitate country comparisons?

In terms of training - how to maximize training, networking and information sharing at the three-week institute? What key themes/fields should be part of this exercise? What are the experiences of your organization/institutes in these kinds of training and networking?

3. Other Projects
We have put together four other projects that have not been funded yet. These are: When conflict ends: assessing demobilization and reintegration efforts on children and armed conflict; The impact of armed conflict on girls; International conference series on children and armed conflict in Florence; and The impact of small arms and light weapons on children. (Project proposals available on request). Which donors might be interested in these issues? Which groups/organizations are already working on these themes? How to create synergies that will help develop existing projects and launch these new ones? How should we promote the network better amongst donors, policymakers, practitioners, academics and activist groups?

4. Next Steps
In terms of next steps the discussion should provide clear guidance about the way forward in terms of new projects, networking activities and capacity building in conflict affected settings. We should also look at the various ways in which the advisory board and executive committee, as well as the working groups can effectively contribute to developing the program and attaining the goals established in the research agenda.