UNICEF: 20 children a day are killed or maimed during conflicts

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That corresponds to about 20 children a day, said the UN Children’s Fund on Monday at the start of an international conference in Oslo on the protection of children in armed conflicts.

“Every war is ultimately a war against children,” said UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell. “While we know how to better protect children in conflict situations, we are still not doing enough.”

The UN has counted more than 16,000 attacks on schools and hospitals since 2005

The data collected by the UN Children’s Fund comes from more than 30 conflicts in Africa, Asia and Latin America. UNICEF explained that the number of cases is likely to be much higher due to unreported cases.

Since 2005, a total of 315,000 serious violations of children’s rights have been recorded in the conflicts studied. At least 105,000 children from warring factions have been deployed as child soldiers. According to reports, more than 16,000 girls and boys have been victims of sexual violence during the armed conflict and more than 32,500 children have been abducted by parties to the conflict. There have also been more than 16,000 attacks on schools and hospitals, confirmed by the UN.

We need more laws and standards to protect children in war

UNICEF called on governments to implement existing international laws and standards to protect children in war. The use of explosive weapons in residential areas must be prevented. Perpetrators of crimes against children must be held accountable and much-needed funding must be provided to protect children.

According to the organization, UNICEF programs in war zones, such as training to protect against landmines or help victims of gender-based violence, reach several million children. However, the resources available are disproportionate to the resources needed.

For example, an estimated $1.37 billion (€1.28 billion) would be needed by 2025 to reunite children who have been separated from their families with their loved ones, to provide psychological care to children and to reduce the recruitment of children by armed forces. avoid groups. according to UNICEF.

(AFP)

Source: Blick