Illustrative photo (Photo: who.int)New York (VNA) – Child protection is at the heart of theUnited Nations (UN)’s peace and security agenda and the core of conflictprevention efforts, said UN Secretary-General António Guterres.
Speaking at a debate of the UN Security Council (UNSC) on how to protect children in situations of armedconflict in New York on February 12, Guterresemphasized the child protection as a starting point for dialogue, confidencebuilding, negotiation and reconciliation efforts among parties involved in theconflict.
On this occasion, Guterres introduced the “Practical Guidance for mediators to protect children in situations ofarmed conflict”, whichwas developed on the basis of concrete examples in which childprotection issue was successfully integrated into peace processes or peaceagreements.
UN Secretary-General's Special Representative for Children and ArmedConflict Virginia Gamba stressed at the debate that “protection ofchildren and the prevention of violations against them should and must beprioritized in mediation and peace building efforts to ensure long-lasting andsustainable peace in countries affected by armed conflict".
She encouraged member states, regional and sub-regional organizations,mediators, parties to conflict, and other actors involved in peace processes tomake full use of this practical guidance.
Participants to the event shared concerns overthe recurrence of serious violations against children, including the use andrecruitment of child soldiers, killing and causing injuries, sexual violence,kidnapping, assault on schools and hospitals, and refusing humanitarian access toconflict areas.
They stressed that protecting children is essential to break the deadlockcircle of violence and conflict, towards building sustainable peace.
In his statement, Vietnam’s PermanentRepresentative to the UN Ambassador Dang Dinh Quy affirmed that protecting children in armed conflict is apriority of the UNSC, the obligation of each UN member state and the responsibilityof each person when witnessing hurts caused by conflict to children that are unableto defend themselves.
He applauded the “Practical Guidance for mediatorsto protect children in situations of armed conflict”, while stressing the role played by regional organisations in connectingefforts at national, regional and global levels.
While sharing Vietnam’s experience, Quy affirmed the importance ofeducation to help children overcome the devastation of war, and cultivate theirlove of peace and hope for a better future./.
VNA
