During armed conflict, children are protected both generally (as persons) and specifically (as children) by international humanitarian law and by international human rights law. Their protection under IHL during the fighting is first and foremost in their capacity as civilians, although special protection is also afforded to children against recruitment, as well as when they are detained by an enemy or are otherwise in its power. International human rights law offers parallel protection to children and, when IHL is not applicable, will be the primary source of protection under international law as this chapter describes.