Legal Aspects of Child Protection in Times of War: International and National Mechanisms, and Observations from Ukraine

Abstract

Armed conflicts are accompanied by serious violations of children’s rights and legitimate interests, significantly increasing their vulnerability. Although international standards and national legal frameworks assign states the primary responsibility for protecting children from war-related violence, effective protection requires continuous coordination and adaptation to rapidly changing conditions. The aim of this study is to analyse international legal instruments and national legislation governing the protection of children during armed conflict, to assess their effectiveness in Ukraine, and to evaluate their compliance with international standards. The research employs methods of legal analysis, synthesis, deduction, and systematic evaluation of normative acts and enforcement mechanisms. The findings indicate that, despite the existence of comprehensive international norms and their partial incorporation into national law, significant gaps remain in implementation, coordination, and practical enforcement under wartime conditions. The study concludes that strengthening institutional cooperation, clarifying legal procedures, and improving national protective mechanisms are essential for ensuring effective child protection during armed conflict. © 2026 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.