New York – In his fourth report on the impact of armed conflict on children in the Philippines, covering the period from December 2012 to the end of 2016, the United Nations Secretary-General describes significant progress in the protection of boys and girls, despite ongoing violations against children, particularly in the Mindanao region.
The Government of the Philippines strengthened the national framework to address violations against children, including by putting in place an Inter-Agency Committee on Children and Armed Conflict and the Monitoring, Reporting and Response System for grave violations against children.
“I urge all parties to the conflict to end attacks or threats of attacks on schools, teachers and students. Using schools for military purposes is unacceptable. Children should be guaranteed safe access to education,” stated the Special Representative.