DFA: UN report false on AFP use of kids in armed conflict
By Michaela P. del Callar 06/03/2010 The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has branded as “false” the report of the United Nations (UN), which accused the Philippine military of using children in armed conflict. “Isolated incidents committed by the AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines) were cited in the (UN) Annual Report. In response, the allegations were investigated and verified by the AFP and found to be false,” the DFA said in a statement, adding that the military’s comments have been submitted to the Security Council Working Group on Children and Armed Conflict (SCWGCAC). The DFA also maintained that the May 20 annual report of Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon to the UN SCWGCAC even cited the Philippines for its “progress and openness in addressing the issue on children in armed conflict.” “Special Representative of the Secretary General for Children and Armed Conflict Radhika Coomaraswamy highlighted the importance of bringing to fruition the full implementation of the action plan signed by the UN with the MILF (Moro Islamic Liberation Front). He also commended the Philippine government for its openness in making the undertaking possible,” the DFA said. The DFA added the Philippines continues to reassure the UN Security Council of its commitment to the promotion and protection of the rights of children in discussions with the SCWGCAC. Ban, in his report, has expressed deep concern over grave human rights violations against children in the Philippines as both rebel and government forces have either killed or recruited them during ongoing conflicts in the country. .... MORE Source: The Daily Tribune URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/nation/20100603nat1.html |
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