The change in the nature of armed conflicts has had serious repercussions on the situation of children and youths. Since the second half of the 20th c. humanitarian principles of international law have protected both civilian children, in the case of conflicts, as well as children participating in the hostilities. Today an increase in the number of authorities as well as in the facilities providing protection can be noted. Furthermore, the adoption in May of 2000 of a further protocol to the Convention on children’s rights of November 20, 1989 can also be considered as a significant advancement, as can the links between the protection of children and the future International Criminal Court