

UN envoy visits Sudan to assess status of child soldiers

Khartoum, Sudan (PANA) - UN Special Envoy for Children and Armed Conflict, Radhi ka Coomaraswamy, has embarked on a week-long visit to Sudan, on the invitation o f the government, to assess the status of children, including those serving as ch i ld soldiers.

Coomaraswamy is in Sudan from 15 to 23 November 2009, to follow-up on her previo us visit in January 2007 and to ascertain first hand the situation in the Sudan.

She is collaborating with all the stakeholders to ensure greater protection for children affected by the conflict, the UN Mission in Sudan said on Monday.

The UN envoy will pay particular attention to issues such as recruitment and use of children by armed groups and forces as well as their demobilization and rein t egration into communities.

She is also expected to investigate first-hand, sexual violence, particularly ag ainst girls in Darfur and killing; maiming of children as well as the targeting a nd kidnapping of humanitarian workers.

"The Special Representative will seek to meet with children and their affected c ommunities in order to listen to their views," the UN said.

Coomaraswamy will engage in a constructive dialogue with National Authorities fr om North and South Sudan on these important issues.

Moreover, she will meet with relevant non-state parties to the conflict in the e ffort to address grave violations against children.

For these purposes, Coomaraswamy will also undertake visits to Southern Sudan an d in Northern and Western Darfur.

The mission is intended to follow the recommendations of the Secretary Generalā ?s report on the situation of children and armed conflict in Sudan within the fr a mework of Security Council Resolution 1612 (2005).

Khartoum - 16/11/2009