Philippines Highlights Commitment In Protecting Children In Armed Conflict at UN Conference Held in Oslo

Philippine Ambassador to Norway Enrico T. Fos delivers the country statement at the Protecting Children in Armed Conflict conference held on 5-6 June 2023. (Oslo PE photo)

OSLO 13 June 2023 -  The Philippines shared its best practices and highlighted its efforts in protecting children in armed conflict at the Conference on Protecting Children in Armed Conflict held in Oslo on 05 to 06 June 2023. 

The Philippine delegation was headed by Ambassador to Norway Enrico T. Fos who also delivered the Philippine country statement.

“The Philippines is committed to keeping children away from armed conflict, rescuing those exploited by armed groups, and providing them with an avenue for positive growth and change. This commitment to promote a culture of peace and second chances can be seen in our actions and policies for the best interests of children, promoting peace and sustainable development, and putting people, not our politics, at the center,” Ambassador Fos said. 

“The Philippines recognizes the fundamental importance of protecting the rights of children and promoting and ensuring their access to education, including those in situations of armed conflict. The Philippines likewise acknowledges the significant role that education can play in providing a protective and nurturing environment for children affected by conflict and in helping to prevent their recruitment into armed groups,” he added. Brigadier General Alvin Luzon, Senior Military Adviser to the Secretary of National Defense and a member of the Philippine delegation, shared his experiences on protecting women and children in the 147-day war against terrorists in Marawi in 2017 in a parallel session during the conference. BGen Luzon shared his experience in establishing “hijab troopers”, an all-women troop trained to be culturally sensitive to the Muslim faith.

The conference was co-hosted by the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in cooperation with the United Nations International Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the International Council of the Red Cross (ICRC), and Save the Children Norway, and was organized in partnership with the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, the Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict, and the African Union.  

In her opening remarks, Norwegian Foreign Minister Anniken Huitfeldt said that considering the number of conflicts happening and the effect that these conflicts have on children, it is time for concrete action through “political will, practical measures, and funding”.  She added that states and parties to conflict must protect children, especially during military operations, treat children recruited as soldiers during these conflicts as victims themselves, bring to justice those who commit crimes against children, and that education will help protect children from death and exploitation. She also mentioned that Norway will allocate a financial pledge of at least NOK 1 billion (roughly USD91.3 million) over three years for advocating and protecting children against armed conflict.  END

Senior Military Adviser to the Secretary of National Defense, Brigadier General Alvin Luzon at the parallel session on protecting children from the impact of war in cities. (Oslo PE photo)

(left photo) BGen Luzon, Ambassador Fos and First Secretary and Consul General Johann Veronica Andal pose at the Philippine table during the conference.  (right photo). The Philippine delegation in a light moment with Norwegian Foreign Minister Anniken Huitfeldt (second from right) after the conference.  Also in photo is Attache Margarita Manigo. (Oslo PE photo)

For more information, visit https://www.oslope.dfa.gov.ph ,  https://www.facebook.com/PHinNorway/  or https://www.instagram.com/phinnorway/ .