AN organ of the United Nations on Wednesday sought the protection of children alleged to be child combatants associated with Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) rebels in Western Mindanao.
Reports reaching the United Nations Children’s Fund (Unicef) indicate that to date, five children have been identified by the government authorities as possible child combatants and are currently in the custody of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).
There are also allegations of mistreatment by security forces while these children were in detention before they were transferred to a DSWD facility. These reports have not been corroborated yet.
Unicef is currently working closely with partners and the concerned authorities to verify the children’s status and conditions.
It called on all parties to the conflict to protect children from all forms of violence. It also called on the government to ensure an investigation into the current allegations.
“Unicef recognizes an extensive range of legal measures that the government has already adopted for the promotion of child rights and the protection of children as zones of peace in situations of armed conflict. Republic Act 9344, or the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act of 2006, provides for children’s rights while under detention by the authorities. They include the right not to be subjected to torture or other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment; the right to prompt access to legal and other appropriate assistance; the right to have his or her privacy respected; and the right to be treated with humanity and respect, in a manner that takes account of his needs and age,” the UN organ said in a statement.
The Philippines is a signatory of the Convention on the Rights of the Child and its Optional Protocol on the Involvement of Children in Armed Conflict, which stipulate these measures.
“Unicef also calls on all parties to respect, adhere to and be guided by the UN Rules for the Protection of Juvenile Deprived of Their Liberty,” the UN organ added in the statement.
Unicef also said in the statement: “If these children were combatants or associated with or involved in armed groups, this would constitute a grave child-rights violation within international law for the recruitment and use of children in hostilities. Children thus involved are victims of hostilities. Former child combatants need immediate assistance for rehabilitation and support for reintegration into their communities and should not be condemned or prosecuted for their actions or involvement in hostilities.
“If the children were not combatants, they need to be reunited with their families as soon as possible and provided with necessary assistance for rehabilitation.
“While investigations are still ongoing, children require special protection against undue exposure. Efforts should be made to ensure that the best interests of the child shall be the primary concern in reporting and covering cases involving children. Regardless of their status while in custody, children need to be provided with special care and protection as minors including:
- Separate placement from adults;
- Access to lawyers and family members; and
- Necessary material and psychosocial care and support.
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