Joint Press Statement by the League of Arab States and the Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations.
22 September, New York – The League of Arab States and the Office of the Special Representative for Children and Armed Conflict entered into an agreement today to strengthen the protection of children affected by armed conflict in the Arab world.
The Cooperation Agreement was signed by Dr. Nabil Elaraby, Secretary General of the League of Arab States, and the Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations, Mr. Jan Eliasson.
“This agreement is an important step to ensure the protection of children in the Arab world,” said Dr. Nabil Elaraby. I welcome this initiative and look forward to working closely with the UN Special Representative USG Leila Zerrougui, to achieve our common goal: an Arab world where children – the future of our region – can grow up in peace.”
The Arab world has witnessed numerous political and social changes in recent times and it is of utmost importance that the protection and the rights of children remain a priority.
“The United Nations is strengthening our valuable partnership with the League of Arab State. I welcome this agreement as an important tool to join forces to address the extremely serious issue of children affected by armed conflict,” said Deputy Secretary-General Eliasson.
The Cooperation Agreement with the League of Arab States is part of the efforts of the United Nations Special Representative for Children and Armed Conflict to engage with regional organisations.
“I’m looking forward to working with the League of Arab States to operationalize this agreement that has the potential to make a real difference in children’s lives,” the Special Representative for Children and Armed Conflict concluded.
# # #
For additional information, contact:
Stephanie Tremblay
Communications, Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict, Tel: +1 212 963 8285, Mobile: +1 917 288 5791 (mobile)
tremblay@un.org
