UN Special Representative for Children and Armed Conflict arrives
Radhika Coomaraswamy, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for
Children and Armed Conflict, arrived in Kathmandu on Monday for a weeklong
visit.
During the visit, Coomaraswamy will ascertain first hand the impact of the
conflict on children, a press statement issued by United Mission in Nepal
(UNMIN) said.
According to the statement, the Special Representative will pay particular
attention to the issue of the release and the reintegration of former
child soldiers as well as the current use of children by armed groups and
their participation in political violence.
"Coomaraswamy intends to undertake a dialogue with the Government and
other relevant stakeholders on these important issues," UNMIN said, adding
that she will also meet with the UN country team, members of civil society
and children affected by conflict in an effort to ensure greater
protection for children.
The Special Representative will follow-up on the recommendations of the
Security Council on the situation of children in Nepal. She will also
intend to support the monitoring and reporting mechanism on grave
violations against children in armed conflict established within the
framework of Security Council resolution 1612 (2005), UNMIN said. nepalnews.com Dec 01 08
