SAVE THE CHILDREN PHILIPPINES LAUDS PASSAGE OF LAW PROTECTING CHILDREN IN ARMED CONFLICTS

SAVE the Children Philippines lauded the enactment of the law on special protection for children in situations of armed conflict (CSAC) that aims to protect minors from killings, recruitment by armed groups, rape and sexual violence.

Lawyer Albert Muyot, chief executive officer of Save the Children Philippines, said that the new law, Republic Act 11188, protects thousands of children living through armed conflict, particularly those in Mindanao.

“The atrocities of war leave permanent scars on a child’s psyche due to emotional stress,” Muyot said. Children are left with no escape from violence, in their homes, schools and in the street during armed conflicts.

The CSAC law provides penalties for the grave violations of children’s rights, including killings, intentional and casual maiming, taking them as hostages or human shields, as well as recruitment into both government forces and lawless groups.

The law also imposes penalties on those who commit rape, sexual violence on children and women, and deny them access to humanitarian assistance, such as medical aid, food and psychosocial services.

Muyot, who served as education undersecretary, welcomed the law that imposes penalties against parties that attack schools, as well as hospitals, places of worship, evacuation centers and public places, such as playgrounds.

“Children in conflict affected areas live through unspeakable horrors with devastating and life-changing consequences,” he added.

The law also highlights the need to protect the rights of children in armed conflict, such as right to life, survival and development, as well as protection from all forms of abuse, neglect and exploitation.

With 120 offices around the world, Save the Children stated in its report “Stop the War on Children,” that deaths of children below five years old reached 870,000 from 2013 to 2017, five times higher than the 175 adult fighters who died on the same period.

“Children like those we know and love are bombed, shot, starved and raped. We hope this law will institutionalize protection and humanitarian assistance to children trapped in armed conflict areas.”

The report explained that children’s experience of conflict ranges from killing and maiming to witnessing the destruction of their homes, schools, communities and death of their loved ones.