New York, 5 December 2008 – Ms. Radhika Coomaraswamy, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict will be visiting The Philippines from 8 to 12 December 2008 at the invitation of the Government.
During the visit, Ms. Coomaraswamy will ascertain first hand the impact of the conflict on children. She will pay particular attention to the issue of association of children with armed groups, their return to civilian life and protection from violence. The Special Representative will also advocate for broader protection of children in conflict zones and highlight the need to incorporate child protection provisions in the on going peace process.
Ms. Coomaraswamy intends to undertake a dialogue with the Government and other relevant stakeholders on these important issues. Furthermore, she will meet with the UN country team, members of civil society and children affected by conflict in an effort to ensure greater protection for children.
The Special Representative will follow-up on recommendations of the Security Council on the situation of children in the Philippines. She will also undertake discussions on ways to further strengthen the monitoring and reporting mechanism on grave violations committed against children in armed conflict in the Philippines, established within the framework of Security Council resolution 1612 (2005).
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For further information, please contact:
- Ms. Laurence Gérard, Communications Officer, Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict. Phone: +1 347-967-8606- gerardl@un.org
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Angela Travis Chief of Communication UNICEF Philippines – Tel office : +63 2 901 0177 ; +63 917 867 8366 atravis@unicef.org
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Marge Francia, Media Specialist UNICEF Philippines – Tel office : +63 2 901 0173; +63 917 858 9447 mfrancia@unicef.org
