Australia helps child victims of armed conflict
Media release
17 June 2010
Overnight in New York, the United Nations Security Council held an open debate on children and armed conflict.
Australia is deeply concerned about grave violations which continue to be committed against children in armed conflict. These include the recruitment and use of children, abduction, killing and maiming of children, sexual violence against children, and the denial of humanitarian access to children by parties to armed conflict.
Australia urges all parties to conflict to take urgent action to address these and other grave violations against children.
Australia is pleased to assist the United Nations and other partners to support children in armed conflict in real and practical ways.
Today I announce a commitment of $2.5 million to the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) to protect and defend the rights of children in situations of armed conflict.
Australia will provide $1 million for the United Nation's global project ‘Monitoring and Reporting Mechanism on Grave Violations against Children in Armed Conflicts' (MRM) in 14 countries in Asia, Africa and Latin America.
A further $1.5 million will support MRM activities in the Philippines and Afghanistan.
The MRM monitors and responds to grave violations against children perpetrated by armed groups.
UNICEF plays an important role in implementing the MRM.
Children in countries of armed conflict frequently suffer both physical and psychological harm from exposure to violence and denial of access to humanitarian care and basic services, such as education and medical supplies.
Since its inception in 2005, the MRM has helped thousands of children.
Successes include the release of child soldiers from armed groups in Cote d'Ivoire and Nepal and commitments from armed groups in Sri Lanka and Sudan to stop violations against children.
This support is part of Australia's extensive engagement with UNICEF in our region and reflects AusAID's ongoing partnership with UNICEF.
Media inquiries
- Minister's Office: (02) 6277 7500
- Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade Media Liaison: (02) 6261 1555
- AusAID Media: 0417 680 590