Press Release

UNICEF Calls for Children to be Protected from Violence in Mali

With military operations ongoing in Mali, UNICEF is calling on commanders of all armed forces, groups and militias in the country to take every possible measure to protect children from the impact of hostilities, to stop the recruitment and use of children in their ranks, and to keep children out of harm’s way. “Commanders are obligated to immediately release any child under the age of 18 who is currently associated with their group to minimize children’s exposure to the dangers of combat,” said a child protection specialist at UNICEF.

NEW YORK (January 22, 2013) — With military operations ongoing in Mali, UNICEF is calling on commanders of all armed forces, groups and militias in the country to take every possible measure to protect children from the impact of hostilities, to stop the recruitment and use of children in their ranks, and to keep children out of harm’s way.

“Commanders are obligated to immediately release any child under the age of 18 who is currently associated with their group to minimize children’s exposure to the dangers of combat,” said Pernille Ironside, a specialist on child protection in emergencies at UNICEF.

“The Malian Armed Forces and allies must do their utmost to avoid civilian casualties, including women and children,” she added.

UNICEF is gravely concerned about children being used in fighting. There is a high risk of separation from their families, which can make children much more vulnerable to many forms of abuse, including recruitment, sexual abuse, child trafficking and other forms of violence against children.
There is also the danger that in the event of the armed groups retreating or fleeing, children will be left behind and vulnerable to revenge attacks.

About UNICEF

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) works in 190 countries and territories to save and improve children’s lives, providing health care and immunizations, clean water and sanitation, nutrition, education, emergency relief and more. The U.S. Fund for UNICEF supports UNICEF's work through fundraising, advocacy and education in the United States. Together, we are working toward the day when ZERO children die from preventable causes and every child has a safe and healthy childhood. For more information, visit www.unicefusa.org.

For additional information, please contact:
Susannah Masur, U.S. Fund for UNICEF, 646.428.5010, smasur@unicefusa.org
Kiní Schoop, U.S. Fund for UNICEF, 917.415.6508, kschoop@unicefusa.org