NEWS RELEASES
AXWORTHY WELCOMES ADOPTION OF UNSC RESOLUTION ON WAR-AFFECTED CHILDREN
August 11, 2000 (5:05 p.m. EDT) No. 198
AXWORTHY WELCOMES ADOPTION OF UNSC RESOLUTION ON
WAR-AFFECTED CHILDREN
Foreign Affairs Minister Lloyd Axworthy today welcomed the adoption of United Nations
Security Council (UNSC) Resolution 1314 which calls on member states and parties to
armed conflicts to adopt measures that will enhance the human rights and well-being of
war-affected children.
"The passing of this important resolution by the United Nations Security Council offers
hope for war-affected children around the world and demonstrates that global
awareness of their plight is growing," said the Minister. "We are particularly pleased by
today's outcome, given Canada's pivotal role in the drafting and adoption by the UN
General Assembly of the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child
on the Involvement of Children in Armed Conflict. We will continue to build international
momentum on this issue when we host the International Conference on War-Affected
Children in Winnipeg in September 2000."
Mr. Axworthy also noted that the outcome was a victory for the Security Council which,
through this exercise, demonstrated its ongoing commitment to addressing a complex
human security issue. The Minister expressed Canada's appreciation for Jamaica's
efforts in piloting the negotiations that led to adoption of the Resolution, noting that it
complements other recent milestones on the protection of civilians, children and
humanitarian personnel. These include UNSC Resolutions 1265 and 1296 on the
protection of civilians in armed conflict, and Resolution 1261 on children and armed
conflict. Mr. Axworthy also lauded the important work being done by the Special
Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict and other UN
bodies.
Specific articles in the Resolution call on all parties to armed conflict to respect fully
international law applicable to the rights and protection of children in armed conflict;
ensure the full, safe and unhindered access of humanitarian personnel and the delivery
of humanitarian assistance to all children affected by armed conflict; and, include where
appropriate, provisions for the protection of children, including the disarmament,
demobilization and reintegration of child combatants, in peace negotiations and in
peace agreements and the involvement of children, where possible, in these processes.
Also included in the Resolution are other articles advocated by Canada that underline
the importance of giving consideration to the special needs and particular vulnerabilities
of girls affected by armed conflict; and reiterate the importance of ensuring that children
continue to have access to basic services during the conflict and post-conflict periods,
including, inter alia education and health care.
As well, Canada was instrumental in ensuring that the Resolution include a provision
noting that the deliberate targeting of civilian populations or other protected persons,
including children, and the committing of systematic, flagrant and widespread violations
of international humanitarian and human rights law, including that related to children, in
situations of armed conflict may constitute a threat to international peace and security,
and in this regard, the United Nations Security Council reaffirms its readiness to
consider such situations and, where necessary, to adopt appropriate steps.
In keeping with the human security agenda's focus on children, Canada will host the
International Conference on War-Affected Children. Participants at the Conference will
examine past approaches to supporting war-affected children and their families, and
develop an international plan of action to better support and protect children affected by
armed conflict. UN agencies, governments, civil society, representatives from the
private sector and youth from all regions of the world will be invited to attend. The
gathering builds on the West African Conference on War-Affected Children, hosted by
Canada and Ghana, which took place last April in Accra.
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For further information, media representatives may contact:
Debora Brown
Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs
(613) 995-1851
Media Relations Office
Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade
(613) 995-1874
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