ARMED CONFLICT: Annual report of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict

[GENEVA, 15 September 2009] - Radhika Coomaraswamy, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict highlighted the plight of children affected by war as she reported to the Human Rights Council in Geneva today.

"It has been a terrible year for children living in situations of armed conflict around the world. Ferocious conflicts in Gaza, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Iraq and Afghanistan have led to high casualty rates and the displacement of a large number of people, especially children," stated Radhika Coomaraswamy.

The Special Representative said that in order to halt grave violations against children, addressing impunity and holding perpetrators accountable must remain a priority of the international community. She underscored progress made in some situations of concern where child soldiers were freed and commended the passing of resolution 1882 that was voted unanimously by the Security Council on 4 August, 2009. She said that the landmark resolution further advances the child protection agenda not only on recruitment and use of children, but also on killing and maiming as well as rape and other grave sexual violence against children.

"Action at the international level must however also be underpinned by accountability at the national level. That includes rigorous investigation and prosecution of those responsible for grave violations against children as well as reforms of national legislation for the protection of children in order to ensure compliance with international norms and standards," urged Radhika Coomaraswamy.

The Special Representative further stressed the need to address protection concerns for children displaced as a result of conflict, who count among the most vulnerable categories of children. She advocated for the "rights and guarantees" which should be accorded to them including the right to education, the liberty of movement, the right to protection against sexual and gender based violence and the right to basic services.

"The nature of conflict is changing and civilians are increasingly on the frontline. The toll on children is more brutal than ever. All parties to conflict should make every effort to better protect children and to make protection of civilians an integral part of military planning," concluded Radika Coomarswamy.

pdf: http://www.crin.org/docs/SR_conflict_09_09_full_report.pdf

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