children and armed conflict report of the secretary general 2017

Using child soldiers is a moral and ethical issue that robs children of their innocence, said Mubin Shaikh, Romeo Dallaire Child Soldiers Initiative. The debate was an opportunity to discuss how to prevent the recruitment and use of children by non-State armed groups, and fighting indoctrination of children on the path to violent extremism. Member States heavily emphasised the need to protect children from sexual violence. Additionally, there were high instances of sexual and gender-based violence and exploitation in the DRC, Nigeria and South Sudan. There were the highest amount of children casualties in Afghanistan ever, and recruitment in Syria and Somalia were high. Armed groups using children in their terror tactics is not a new challenge, but it is significant and increasing in violations, year after year. In 2016, violations against children in conflict, including recruitment and killing, were at an alarming level, said Secretary-General Antonio Gutierrez. Additionally, few speakers provided gender analysis of the situation of children in armed conflict and failed to mention that girls face different risks than boys. Despite the fact that many speakers discussed the human cost of conflict, few speakers discussed disarmament or the need to address the root causes of conflict, contrary to the ongoing reform work within the UN System. Speakers recognised the importance of international law in order to respond to this problem, but did not provide specific action points. Member States highlighted several relevant themes, including the use of child soldiers and their status as victims and fighting impunity for perpetrators. The discussion focused on stressing the challenges non-State armed groups pose, including terrorist groups, as well as the protection of children in armed conflict situations. The debate reflected the findings of the 2017 report on the Secretary-General on Children and Armed conflict. On Tuesday, 31 October 2017, the Security Council held an open debate under the theme “Children and Armed Conflict,” under the French presidency. Virginia Gamba, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict, briefs the Security Council, 31 October 2017 (UN Photo/Rick Bajornas) United Nations Obligations on Women, Peace and Security.Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Agenda 2030.Commission on the Status of Women (CSW).

About Women, Peace and Security in the Security Council.Open Debates on Women, Peace and Security.

Children and armed conflict report of the secretary general 2017