UN ENVOY SPEAKS OUT AGAINST REPORTED RECRUITMENT OF CHILD SOLDIERS IN NORTHERN MALI

UN ENVOY SPEAKS OUT AGAINST REPORTED RECRUITMENT OF CHILD SOLDIERS IN NORTHERN MALI
New York, Apr 13 2012 3:10PM
The United Nations envoy for children and armed conflict today voiced grave concern over reports of recruitment of child soldiers by Tuareg rebels and Islamist militias in northern Mali, stressing that both groups have a responsibility to comply with their obligations under international law.

"Under no circumstances can the recruitment and use of children be tolerated," said the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict, Radhika Coomaraswamy, in a statement. "I wish to remind all forces of their responsibility to comply with their obligations under international law."

Reports also suggest that women and girls are being abducted and raped and hospitals looted, Ms. Coomaraswamy said in the statement.

Amid the escalating humanitarian crisis in Mali, more than 200,000 people, including many children, have fled conflict northern Mali, and the volatile security situation and limited access to the region have prevented the UN from fully investigating the reported human rights abuses.

"We have been alerted, and will closely monitor the unfolding situation and violations committed against children by all parties," Ms. Coomaraswamy added.

Clashes between Government forces and Tuareg rebels resumed in the country's north in January, leading to the mass displacement of civilians. The majority of those uprooted from their villages have sought refuge in neighbouring countries, while some 93,000 are internally displaced.

In addition, rebel Malian soldiers recently took control of the country and announced the dissolution of the Government led by President Amadou Toumani Toure.

Yesterday, the former speaker of parliament, Dioncounda Traore, was sworn in as interim President, replacing Captain Amadou Sanogo, the leader of the junta that had seized power in a coup on March 22, and which later agreed to hand back the country's leadership to a civilian administration.
Apr 13 2012 3:10PM
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