Chapter 4 focuses on the issue of women and children refugees, two groups that face particular dangers and that are highly vulnerable during times of conflict. The chapter attempts to provide an introduction to a number of topics such as child soldiers, forced prostitution, slavery and other dangers during times of war and displacement.

This chapter would ideally be taught as part of social studies or civics.
Below is some extra information for the teachers to assist them with this module.

Women seeking asylum often face the danger of being forced or tricked into prostitution. Every year, up to half a million women are brought into the EU from central and eastern Europe to work as prostitutes. Some women know what they are going in for; some are abducted; many others are tricked, promised jobs as cleaners or waitresses, and then on arrival forced to sell their bodies to all comers.

As well as women from Russia, Ukraine and Albania, there is also a market for women from south-east Asia, particularly Thailand and the Philippines, and from some African countries. It is commonplace for the women to be beaten, drugged, and threatened with harm to themselves or to their families at home.

They are usually unable to seek help because as “illegals”, they are afraid of being deported, because they often do not speak the language, and because they are moved round constantly, so they become confused and disoriented. Most trafficked women are under 25, with a significant number under 18.

Children run the risk of being recruited into armies
There are an estimated three hundred thousand child soldiers around the world. Every year the number grows as more children are recruited for use in active combat.

The development of lighter weapons - such as the AK47 - means that boys as young as eight can be armed.

Children are often less demanding soldiers than adults. They are cheaper to keep as they eat less and are easier to manipulate. Some are sent into battle high on drugs to give them courage.

Legal Protection for Children
The legal instrument that provides for the protection of children (including refugee children) is the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, which was adopted in 1989.
The basic premise of the Convention is that children (all human beings below the age of 18) are born with fundamental freedoms and the inherent rights of all human beings. Many governments have enacted legislation, created mechanisms and put into place a range of measures to ensure the protection and realisation of the rights of those under the age of 18. Each government must also report back on children's rights in their country.

The treaty has been signed by more nations than any other treaty dealing with the issue of human rights. It has been ratifies by every nation in the world except the United States of America and Somalia.

The Convention is particularly relevant for the UN High Commissioner for Refugees as it deals with the protection of minors who have been separated from their families and the protection of children during times of war, including protection against being recruited into armed groups.