The Machel Study 10-Year Strategic Review says the nature of warfare has changed in the past 10 years, and the impact on children is more brutal than ever. Intra-country battles with less visibility and less humanitarian access encourages criminal activity and terrorism. Civilians, especially children, are increasingly the targets of violence, abuse and exploitation.
Accompanying the strategic review is the youth report “Will you listen? Young Voices from Conflict Zones”. About 1700 children from 92 countries contributed to the findings of a youth report, which includes firsthand accounts of the atrocities that children suffer during war, and calls for more involvement of children in solving and healing from conflicts.
The launching event of “Will you listen” was co-hosted by the Permanent Mission of Norway, UNICEF and the SRSG-CAAC, Norwegian Ambassador Johan Løvald made the following statement:
“Yes, we will listen. We are obliged to listen. The right to be heard and to participation is a one of the key principles of the Convention of the Rights of the Child.
As the Convention is reaching a new stage of maturity – it is 18 years since it was adopted- the implementation of this principle can make a real difference in the lives of children and young persons.
Participation is central to safeguard the rights of children and young persons at all times and to the prevention of violence and conflict. Participation is not only the right to be heard, to be seen and to be taken into seriously. It is the right to be informed and to have the possibility to influence.
This must be part of our common strategic vision for the future.
Norway warmly welcomes the Machel Strategic Review report and the Youth report and looks forward to take part in the follow up.
Conflict resolution and the promotion of peace are at the core of the Norwegian Government’s foreign policy. The protection of children before, during and after conflict is an essential part of these efforts.
Children bear the least responsibility for conflict. Yet they suffer the most. This leaves us with strong obligations of a moral, political and legal nature. These obligations must lead to action: we must prevent the involvement of children in armed conflict, and protect those who are already involved.
It is also vital to recognise and support the contribution children and young people themselves can make in peace processes and national peace building efforts.
Children and young people can play active bridge building roles across dividing lines in conflict situations. They cannot be seen solely as victims but as change agents.
A solid investment in safeguarding the rights and meeting the needs of the young post-conflict generation is perhaps the most important contribution we can make. It will help to restore confidence in the future, and will promote peace, security and development.
An example of this is Burundi where Norway through the Peace Building Commission is actively involved.
To conclude we must encourage this dialogue between the SRSG, governments, other stakeholders and young persons to continue and following today’s event – with even more direction and emphasis”.