Philippines shared their best practices and highlighted their efforts to protect children in armed conflict at the Conference on the Protection of Children in Armed Conflict held in Oslo on June 5-6, 2023.
The Philippine delegation was led by Ambassador to Norway Enrico T. Fos, who also delivered the country’s statement.
“The Philippines is committed to keeping children out of armed conflict, rescuing those who are exploited by armed groups, and providing them with a path for positive growth and change. This commitment to promote a culture of peace and second chances can be seen in our actions and policies in favor of the best interests of children, promoting peace and sustainable development, and putting people, and not our politics, at the center ”, said Ambassador Fos.
“The Philippines recognizes the fundamental importance of protecting the rights of children and promoting and ensuring their access to education, including those in situations of armed conflict. The Philippines also recognizes the important role that education can play in providing a nurturing and protective environment for children affected by conflict and helping prevent their recruitment by armed groups,” she added.
Brigadier General Alvin Luzon, Senior Military Adviser to the Secretary of National Defense and a member of the Philippine delegation, shared his experiences on protecting women and children in the 147-day war against terrorists in Marawi in 2017 in a side session during The conference. Brigadier General Luzon shared his experience establishing hijab troopers, a troop of women trained to be culturally sensitive to the Muslim faith.
South Korea elected as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council
The conference was co-sponsored by the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in cooperation with the United Nations International Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the International Council of the Red Cross (ICRC) and Save the Children Norway, and was organized in collaboration with the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, the Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict, and the African Union.
In her opening remarks, Norwegian Minister for Foreign Affairs Anniken Huitfeldt stated that, given the number of conflicts taking place and the effect they have on children, the time has come for concrete action through “ political will, practical measures and financing”.
The Philippines is committed to keeping children out of armed conflict, rescuing those who are exploited by armed groups, and providing them with a path for positive growth and change
He added that States and parties to conflict must protect children, especially during military operations, treat children recruited as soldiers during these conflicts as victims themselves, bring to justice those who commit crimes against children, and that education will help protect children from death and exploitation.
He also mentioned that Norway will commit a financial pledge of at least NOK 1 billion (about US$91.3 million) over three years to defend and protect children against armed conflict.
