Children in Armed Conflict - UN Special Representative Speaks About Afghanistan

Radhika Coomaraswamy, United Nations Special Representative for Children and Armed Conflict, spoke today at the United Nations in New York about her recent visit to Afghanistan.  Ms Coomaraswamy, along with the Director of the Office of Emergency Programmes for UNICEF Louia-George Arsenault, visited Afghanistan for five days this past week to determine the extent to which children are being used in conflict zones.  Ms. Coomaraswamy explained that her role was to ensure that the UN monitoring presence in Afghanistan is correctly established and implemented. The team met with local religious and social leaders, leading NGOs, as well as Afghani President Hamid Karai.

Ms. Coomaraswamy stated that the UN as of yet has no hard figures on the number of children currently being used in armed conflict, and that the mission goal was to establish a UN presence.  She did, however, express that children are being detained by Americans, and recruited by the Taliban and other anti-government groups.  She also witnessed evidence of Talibani and tribal recruitment of young boys.  Ms. Coomaraswamy also stated that more sexual violence occurs against young boys than young women.  She reminded officials that it is against international law to recruit boys without facial hair to “war or quarters.”

According to Ms. Coomaraswamy, all parties are aware of the fragile security situation in the country, and the impact violence has on children and society.  Ms. Coomaraswamy implored the government of the importance “to expand humanitarian space,” and allow organizations to work to assist the civilian population.  In a statement issued last week, Ms. Coomarasawmy stated “the on-going attacks targeting schools, teachers and school children are a grim reminder that concerted efforts must be made by all parties to the conflict to ensure the safety of children … we must take concrete actions now to better protect children and the future generations of the country.”