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[ANTANANARIVO, 3 April 2009] - Diplomats to the Indian Ocean island country appealed on Friday to the Madagascan authorities to respect children's rights. In a statement issued by the Norwegian embassy, diplomats from South Africa, Germany, France, Norway and Switzerland called on the Madagascan authorities to take all necessary measures to create an environment conducive to the protection of children and their development in community, schools and families. Madagascar has been in a state of social and political unrest since mid-January this year, due to a protracted conflict between former president Marc Ravalomanana and former mayor of the capital, Antanarivo, Andry Rajoelina, now President of the country. The political crisis has had a significant impact particularly in the areas of education, health and security, said the statement, also signed by representatives of the European Commission, United Nations Development Program, the World Bank the African Development Bank and others based in the mountainous capital city. The evolution of the situation, politically and economically has increased tensions within the population, and in this context, children are particularly vulnerable, it added. "Children's rights must be respected in their entirety in all circumstances. Children must be protected against all forms of violence and should not be exposed to violence or be involved in acts of violence."... According to a UNICEF report published last month, a total of 29 children have been missing since the onset of the crisis in mid-January, with indications from Child Protection Networks suggesting that an increasing number of children were running away from home Further information