New York 22 June 2007 – Ms. Radhika Coomaraswamy, UN Special Representative for Children and Armed Conflict will be visiting Myanmar from 25 to 29 June 2007, at the invitation of the Government.

The objective of this field mission is to set-up the monitoring and reporting mechanism established by Security Council resolution 1612 (2005) on grave violations committed against children. Ms. Coomaraswamy will pay particular attention to the issues of children associated with armed groups and humanitarian access.

The UN Special Representative intends to undertake a dialogue with the Government on these important issues. Furthermore, she will meet with the UN country team, members of the civil society and children affected by conflict, in the effort to ensure greater protection for children.

Within the framework of resolution 1612 (2005), the Security Council Working Group on Children and Armed Conflict will examine the Secretary General's report on the situation of children in Myanmar in November 2007.

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For further information, please contact:

Ms. Laurence Gérard, Liaison Officer, Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary General for Children and Armed Conflict. Cellphone: +1 347-967-8606 – gerardl@un.org – (travelling with Ms. Coomarasawamy)

Luca Solimeo, Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary General for Children and Armed Conflict, in New York – solimeo@un.org – +1 917-367-3563