Children born of wartime rape are particularly vulnerable and their case is complex as their needs intertwine with the needs of their mothers or their cultural community. To analyse the status of children born of rape and identify both risk factors and key issues, a systematic search among medical and psychological research articles was performed. In addition, historical, sociological and human rights literature was explored. Risk factors for the wellbeing of children born of rape are: pregnancy and delivery; poor parent‐child relationships; discrimination and stigmatisation; and identity issues. Three key issues which should direct research and clinical practice are formulated: perceiving children born of rape as secondary rape victims; the existence of multiple perpetrators; and competing rights and interests. To assist children born of rape, clinicians, as well as researchers, are confronted with the challenge to develop a comprehensive perspective that considers the needs and rights of both children and mothers. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. ‘Three key issues which should direct research and clinical practice are formulated’ ‘A comprehensive perspective that considers the needs and rights of both children and mothers’ Key Practitioner Messages Children born of rape face serious mental health risks. Perceiving children born of rape as secondary rape victims is of importance as this highlights the risk of confrontation with the direct trauma of the mother via the mother‐child relationship. Acknowledging the existence of multiple perpetrators creates the opportunity to hold those involved accountable for their behaviour. Clinicians have to develop a comprehensive perspective that considers the needs and rights of both children and mothers.