Statement by Special Representative for Children and Armed Conflict on the situation of children in Misrata and Libya

New York, 19 April – “Despite outcry from the international community, children continue to be the victims of the conflict in Libya. Last month, I called on all parties in Libya to protect children and to ensure than none were associated with any armed forces or groups. However, credible information on recruitment and use of children continues to be received by my Office daily.

In addition, there have been increasingly alarming reports of other violations against children. The situation of girls and boys in the besieged city of Misrata is of particular concern at this time when heavy shelling, bombardment, and land mines claim children as victims. Humanitarian access is also hampered by the current fighting and several hospitals have been damaged.I again urge the Government of the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, pro-government elements, and opposition forces to immediately stop using children as combatants. The killing and maiming of girls and boys must end. And I remind all parties that attacks on hospitals and denial of humanitarian aid are also grave violations against children.

Perpetrators from all sides of the conflict in Libya will be held accountable.”

-Statement attributable to Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict Radhika Coomaraswamy

For more information, please refer to the SRSG’s previous statement on Libya:http://www.un.org/children/conflict/english/pr/2011-03-09255.html

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For further information, please contact:

Timothy La RoseCommunications OfficerOffice of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict+1 917 346 3404 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting+1 917 346 3404end_of_the_skype_highlightinglarose@un.org

Muriel GschwendAssociate Communications OfficerOffice of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict +917 367 35 62gschwend@un.org

Website:http://www.un.org/children/conflict

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