United States of America
My colleague's few issues are of a graver humanitarian concern than the impac...
My colleague's few issues are of a graver humanitarian concern than the impact of armed conflict on civilians. The horror is especially acute when the victims or the perpetrators are boys and girls. In recent years, the tragic connection between children and war has assumed a prominent place on the global agenda. In 2008, the United States appoved the Child Soldiers Protection Act, which curtails United States military assistance, licences and sales to Governments that recruit or use child soldiers and which has given our diplomats leverage to engage constructively with Governments on the additional steps that they need to take.
Today, Syria is at ground zero of the most appalling humanitarian catastrophe...
Today, Syria is at ground zero of the most appalling humanitarian catastrophe of our era, and children, Syria's future, are among the principal victims. Since the civil war began, more than 10,000 boys and girls have been killed, more than 1.2 million have become refugees, and more than 3 million are unable to attend school. The United States is part of the United Nations-led “No lost generation” initiative that is striving to shield children from the fighting, reunite broken families and deliver opportunities for education. One four-year-old refugee in Turkey told UNICEF that he wants to become a surgeon so that he will be able to save his brother, who is still in Syria, should he get hurt.
In recent months, the Central African Republic has also been the scene of hor...
In recent months, the Central African Republic has also been the scene of horrific violence. The cycle of vengeance between the Séléka and anti-Balaka militias has been singularly repulsive in that nearly all of the victims on both sides have been unarmed. Children have been attacked, beaten, maimed, raped and killed, some by beheading. An estimated 6,000 young people have been recruited and trained to kill by armed groups, and in some cases girls have been forced into marriage.
When the 14 year-old Alhaji Babah Sawaneh testified before the Council in 200...
When the 14 year-old Alhaji Babah Sawaneh testified before the Council in 2001, he said “taking my gun from me was a vital step” (S/PV.4422, p. 8). In that context, I commend the Special Representative for her “Children, not soldiers” campaign. Boys and girls belong in playgrounds, not battlegrounds. Around their young shoulders, they should have school backpacks, not ammunition belts. Their hearts should be filled with optimism and hope, not terror at what the next day may bring.