The UN condemns killings of children in Somalia

The United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Somalia, Maxwell Gaylard, expressed his deep concern at the recent killings, kidnappings and attacks targeting children as a result of the escalation of the ongoing conflict in Somalia. On behalf of the UN Agencies operating in Somalia, he urged Somali leaders and all parties to the conflict to take immediate measures to ensure that all children are protected against violence, in accordance with international legal instruments, in particular the Convention on the Rights of the Child, the African Charter for the Rights and Welfare of the Child and International Human Rights and Humanitarian Law. Mr. Gaylard emphasized that such incidents violate Somali traditions, which provide for the security and safety of children and women in times of conflict.

Over the past months, there has been an increase in kidnappings and killings of children in Somalia. On 24 December 2002, a school bus from the Ahmed Gurey High School was attacked in Mogadishu by unidentified militia gunmen, killing and injuring several students. Last week, a 12 years old boy from Osman Bin Afan school in Mogadishu was also killed during an attack against a bus in the city. The United Nations is echoing the deep concerns of thousands of Somali citizens who have condemned these killings. Communities have publicly shown their solidarity with the young victims and are demanding an end to the conflict and an immediate investigation of these crimes. Somalia, in general, and Mogadishu, in particular, account for a surfeit of small arms and heavier weaponry that pose a continuing risk to the safety of children and their families.

"Apart from being the direct targets of fighting, Somali children, especially those living in Mogadishu, pay a disproportionate price by being exposed to violence and experiencing psychological distress and fear," said Jesper Morch, UNICEF Representative for Somalia.

"We are urging Somali leaders to respect the international standards of child protection and to put an end to the conflict in Somalia in accordance with the Eldoret Declaration signed in October 2002" said the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Somalia. "We also urge parties to the conflict to ensure the full, safe and unhindered access of humanitarian personnel and the delivery of humanitarian assistance to all civilians, including children, affected by the conflict."

"Beyond their differences, Somali leaders should work together to ensure that all girls and boys can grow up in a peaceful and protective environment" said the UNICEF Representative. "More must be done to ensure that children’s rights are respected and fulfilled."

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