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An illustration of several women standing in a line holding hands. Partially obscured.

Illustration: CMHR, Maggie Ikemiya

In this guide, you will find links to resources related to children and their experiences during war and large societal conflicts, and the after‐effects of these events on children. Resources include books, media reports, documentaries, newspapers and more. For further assistance, please contact the Museum’s Carte International Reference Centre at reference.centre@humanrights.ca.

Difficult subjects are discussed in some of the materials found in this guide, including but not limited to genocide, sexual violence against children, and other traumatic events. 

The Carte International Reference Centre is not responsible for the content of external links. Inclusion of material in this resource guide does not necessarily represent an endorsement of the views expressed. Material is presented in the language in which it was originally produced.

Books in the Reference Centre

There is a growing collection of books on children and their experiences with war and conflict in the Carte International Reference Centre located on Level 5 at the Museum. These books can be accessed onsite during the Centre’s open hours.

Resources for children and young adults

Other institutions have also put together lists of books for children and young adults that deal with the topic of war and conflict.

Graphic novels and comics

There is a growing body of graphic novels and comics, for children and adults, that explore the topic of children impacted by war and conflict.

Media reports

Many media outlets have produced in‐depth stories about the varied experiences of children during war and prolonged conflicts. This section also discusses the lives of children in the aftermath of these life‐altering events.

Documentaries

Several documentaries, podcasts and short news stories have been produced about children’s experiences with war and prolonged societal conflict.

Kanopy is an online streaming service available through participating public and university libraries. They provide access to numerous documentaries and feature films that treat the topic of children impacted by war and conflict. Check with your local library to see if they subscribe to Kanopy.

Human rights organizations

Many human rights and charitable organizations have begun campaigns to raise awareness about children in war and conflict. They are also documenting what is happening to children after they leave conflict areas and active warfare comes to an end.

Research databases

The Reference Centre holds subscriptions to a selection of research databases, which provide access to thousands of articles from newspapers, magazines and academic journals. These resources can be accessed at one of the computer workstations in the Reference Centre or on your own computer or device.

Journals

The Reference Centre holds subscriptions to a selection of research databases, which provide access to thousands of articles from newspapers, magazines and academic journals. These resources can be accessed at one of the computer workstations in the Reference Centre or on your own computer or device.

Research and reports

Scholars and academics have published articles from a variety of different perspectives. Here is a selection:

Intergovernmental publications

Government agencies and international organizations conduct research and publish reports on the varied experiences children face during war and conflict. Examples of signed declarations, convention, treaties and other agreements related to children in these situations can be found in this section.

Statistics and data

Country reports, data and statistics have been collected about the impact of war and conflict on children around the world.

Exhibitions

A variety of in‐gallery and online exhibitions exist that deal with children in war and conflict. Here you will find a selection of exhibitions that deal with war and conflict from the perspective of children.