Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Kabul (Agenzia Fides) - Armed conflict killed hundreds of children and adversely affected many others in 2009 - the deadliest year for Afghan children since 2001. This is what the Afghanistan Rights Monitor (ARM), a Kabul-based humanitarian group, has said in a recent declaration. ARM says that from January to December 2009, nearly 1,050 children died in suicide attacks, roadside blasts, air strikes and in the cross-fire between Taliban insurgents and pro-government Afghan and foreign forces. “At least three children were killed in war-related incidents every day in 2009, and many others suffered in diverse but mostly unreported ways,” a note from ARM Director Ajmal Samadi said.
Security incidents increased 65% in the last quarter of 2009 compared to the same period in 2008, according to a report of the UN Secretary-General entitled “The Situation in Afghanistan and its Implications for International Peace and Security.” In 2009, there were at least 2,080 cases of grave violations of child rights. These included the recruitment of children as suicide bombers and foot soldiers, murder, rape, forced labor, and the denial of essential services by warring parties and criminal groups. Insurgent attacks on schools, aid workers and facilities also deprived thousands of children - boys and girls - of access to education and healthcare.
ARM has asked the Afghan government and its international supporters to increase their efforts to reduce the impact of war on children and provide adequate services for them. (AP) (Agenzia Fides 11/1/2010)
