Unicef, MILF promote peace, kids’ protection

From the Business Mirror (Sep 21): Unicef, MILF promote peace, kids’ protection

CAMP DARAPANAN, Maguindanao—On the occasion of the International Day of Peace and National Peace Consciousness Month, United Nations children’s agency United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (Unicef) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) came together to celebrate peace and promote peacebuilding by showcasing traditional art forms with the talents of children.

They held the Pakaradian sa Kalilintad, or festival of peace and merrymaking, which featured traditional art forms including music, visual arts and dance.

The event was aimed at expanding community understanding on the welfare of children and their role as instruments of peacebuilding, as part of the “Children, Not Soldiers” campaign on nonassociation of children in armed conflict.

Children from Bangsamoro communities from Lanao to the island provinces of Sulu and Basilan competed in three categories of traditional dance, song and musical performances. Clad in vibrant colored costumes, and backed by traditional musical instruments, such as the kulintang, agong and dabakan, they proudly shared their folk arts and culture as a significant part of their unique identities as a community.

This event is the grand culmination of six local-level competitions organized by the Bangsamoro Islamic Women’s Auxiliary Brigade, supported by Kalimudan Arts and Culture Center and Unicef.

“By fostering children’s appreciation for diversity and creating a platform for children to share their stories and dreams, we promote unity and peace. Through these activities, children develop friendships and become active players in peacebuilding, paving the way for social cohesion among communities. The community members such as the Base Commanders, elders and parents also play their role in changing behaviours to keep children away from war, and allow children to play, go to school and just be children,” Unicef Philippine Representative Lotta Sylwander said.

The UN-MILF action plan was signed in 2009 to address the recruitment and use of children and commits the MILF to ensure that no children under 18 are associated with the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (Biaf) as combatants or in supporting roles such as messengers, cooks or cleaners. The “Children Not Soldiers” campaign has reached around 29,100 people, including 10,765 members of the BIAF, 2,457 children and 9,427 community members in eight provinces.

As the seven sambolayang or peace flags by children fluttered in the morning breeze in this camp, the children reminded the adults for the need to preserve their rich cultural heritage for the new generation, as well as their desire for the successful implementation of the peace process that is inclusive and supports the rights of all children.

http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/unicef-milf-promote-peace-kids-protection/