The report begins by describing the main components of the
MRM, the principal locus of engagement for humanitarian
actors with SCR 1612. The reporting process in the
mechanism presents a direct challenge and opportunity for
service-providing NGOs to use their latent knowledge about
grave violations in new ways, potentially to significant effect.
It then describes some of the apparent impacts of the MRM
and related provisions of SCR 1612 as well as examining
factors which may be limiting positive impact. In particular, it
looks at three areas: developments in international policy
debates and processes; changes in the behaviour of dutybearers
and parties to conflict; and changes in children’s
lives. The report concludes with key recommendations.
This report does not address the same issues as the
recently published report from the Watchlist on Children
and Armed Conflict, which examines the participation of
NGOs in the MRM, the use of other resources and networks
in implementing the mechanism, its links to response
actions and the safety and security of respondents and
information collectors.2 However, our findings are
consistent with those of the Watchlist report, and some
correlate with, and are supported by, work by Security
Council Report, an independent organisation which
reviews the work of the Security Council.3