UN wants end to children’s recruitment as soldiers

KABUL): The United Nations on Tuesday called for all Afghan groups to prevent children’s recruitment as soldiers, suicide attackers and end their sexual abuse.

“Children should no more be used, whether it is in soldiers, for suicide attacks or for sexual abuse,” Peter Wittig, the German ambassador to the United Nations, told a news conference in Kabul.

Currently heading a UN delegation to Afghanistan, the diplomat said the objective of their trip was to watch the living conditions of Afghan children.

They discussed the issue with government officials and delivered a message from UN officials to the Karzai administration, Witting added.

Also the president of the UN Security Council for the month of July, he saidthe Afghan government had promised to work for protecting children’s rights and ensuring their enrollment in schools.

“We have assured the Afghan government of enduring UN support for the protection of children’s rights. We understand the Taliban also intend to stop attacks on schools,” the ambassador said.

He also asked both the government and insurgents to stop the destruction of schools and public health centres. “We ask the Taliban and other groups to release information about children expelled from their ranks.”

frm/mud

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