Oslo, 10 May 2023 (TDI): Norway is urging the International Community to take action to strengthen the safeguarding of children impacted by conflicts and wars.
Therefore, Norway is organizing an International Conference on protecting children in warfare in Oslo on June 5-7, 2023, along with UNICEF, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), and Save the Children International.
The African Union, the Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict, and the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs also organized the gathering.
Under international humanitarian law, children are entitled to special protection and should be given precedence in humanitarian action.
However, this is not true for many youngsters in violent environments. They experience severe psychological as well as physical effects. Their life and prospects are dramatically impacted by conflict, according to Ms. Huitfeldt.
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Over the past 30 years, the number of kids residing in violent war zones has tripled. Between 2005 and 2020, the UN confirmed almost 266 000 severe breaches against children committed by parties to warfare.
“The children are not the only ones impacted by inadequate protection. It significantly hinders efforts to achieve growth, peace, and security immediately and over the long term. Our shared future is at risk, Huitfeldt remarked.
To protect children and youth, it is essential to mobilize financial support and step up political and operational efforts on the parts of governments, the UN, the International Red Cross, and the Red Crescent Movement.
Armed conflict parties must act appropriately, and by International Humanitarian Law, It is our collective responsibility to effect change.
“Humanitarian activities must be stepped up. It will take political will, actual methods, and resources to do this,” said Huitfeldt.
Norway is represented as the conference’s host by Minister of Foreign Affairs Anniken Huitfeldt. Anne Beathe Tvinnereim, Minister of International Development, will also participate.
