|
Statement New York, 26 July 2000 Madame President, I should like to begin by extending the Indonesian delegation’s appreciation to you for convening the meeting today on the agenda item before us which reflects the renewed determination of the Council to protect children from the ravages of armed conflicts. My delegation also commends the Secretary-General for his timely Report contained in document S/2000/712. The Report portrays a poignant picture of the devastating impact of the on-going conflicts on children both in terms of their magnitude and their long-term impact and contains a series of recommendations whose implementation will remove children from the harms way and from being deliberately targeted in gross violation of universally accepted norms, precepts and principles. Madame President, My delegation has noted with deep concern the increasing use of children in armed conflicts. It has been estimated that over 300,000 children under the age of 18 are now being used as soldiers in conflicts in various regions of the world. Those conflicts have claimed the lives of more than two million children, maimed or injured six million, orphaned one million, traumatized countless others and resulted in children accounting for more than half of the world’s 24 million refugees. My delegation has in the past supported concerted international efforts in alleviating the sufferings of children dragged into conflicts. Indonesia is a signatory to the 1989 Convention on the Rights of Child which upholds the political, socio-economic and civil rights of children and strongly supports the Optional Protocol which strengthens that Convention by calling for a minimum age of 18 for participation in hostilities. Regrettably, however, there is even today a continuing recruitment and deployment of children as soldiers. Hence, the international community should speak with one voice and insist on 18 as the minimum acceptable age for participation in armed conflicts which would make a tangible difference to the fate of children exposed to danger on the ground where more than 250,000 children below that age has taken part in more than 30 armed conflicts in various parts of the world and where children represented 40 per cent of all victims of such conflicts. The failure to curb the flow of small arms and light weapons across borders through clandestine means has taken a disproportionate toll on children in intra-state strife and led ultimately to greater insecurity and destabilization. The ease with which these arms are available and their proliferation have rendered it possible even for young children to become perpetrators of violence. This ominous situation calls for concerted efforts at the national, regional and global levels to curb the illicit transfer of these arms. Indonesia remains hopeful that the forthcoming International Conference on the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in all its Aspects to be held next year will adopt measures that will fully take into account the interests of children and their protection. The rights of children in armed conflicts should also be acknowledged as an explicit priority and firmly entrenched in peace-making, peace-building and conflict resolution processes as well as in demobilization and re-integration plans. Such a program of assistance is critically important to consolidate peace and to support rehabilitation capacity. The willful denial of humanitarian assistance to children had a devastating impact on children who have a fundamental right to aid under international humanitarian laws. They are not only the instruments of warfare but also its victims. They are not fully aware of the reasons and objectives of armed conflict they are often forced to participate. It therefore stands to reason that parties involved in conflicts should facilitate unhindered access to personnel involved in humanitarian missions to children unwittingly caught up in armed conflicts. Landmines are indiscriminate weapons which do not distinguish between a soldier or a civilian, a friend or a foe, an adult or child. It is an irony that those who suffer most are not the active combatants, but civilians especially women and children. While demining is the only alternative to eliminate the dangers posed by landmines, effective and comprehensive mine awareness programs focusing on children should be vigorously pursued. Furthermore, the sanctions imposed on Governments or armed factions had disproportionately negative impact on children in terms of weakening the essential infra-structures especially those relating to education, health and employment opportunities. While it is difficult to quantify the short and long-term costs for the future of children, efforts should be made to relieve the suffering of children living under sanctions regimes by providing for humanitarian exemptions so that children will not be deprived of access to basic necessities of life throughout the conflict. Madame President, In sum, the future of humanity depends on children. The use of children in armed conflicts casts a shadow on their future, for children who are exposed to violence often carry fears and hatred in their hearts and minds that have profound long-term effects. Due to the large number of children involved and victimized in conflicts around the world, their future is at stake due to limited opportunities to embark upon productive careers. Hence, much needs to be done in alleviating their sufferings and in ensuring a rightful place in their societies through adequate support programs. The grim alternative would be a potentially serious situation if the international community fails to take timely and adequate steps in dealing with this problem. I would be remiss in my duty if I concluded this statement without commending the role played by the Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Children and Armed Conflict, Mr. Olara Otunnu, who has made significant contributions to uplift the lives of the less fortunate children and for many of whom life will be worth living. Member states are duty bound to extend their cooperation in fulfilling the mandate entrusted to him. I thank you, Madame President.
|
