JOINT STATEMENT BY AMBASSADOR HISASHI OWADA, CHAIRMAN OF THE INTERNATIONAL SYMPOSIUM ON CHILDREN AND ARMED CONFLICT, AND OLARA A. OTUNNU, SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE UN SECRETARY-GENERAL FOR CHILDREN AND ARMED CONFLICT

Tokyo, 20 November 1998 -- An international symposium on children and armed conflict called for urgent concerted action by governments, UN agencies and non-governmental organizations to insure the protection, rights and welfare of children who are being victimized in the situation of conflicts.

The symposium was organized by the Government of Japan, with the collaboration of the office of the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General UN University, and the Japan Committee for UNICEF. The symposium brought together senior officials from governments. UN agencies and NGOs, and civil society leaders from the Asia-Pacific and other regions.

The two-day symposium sought to increase official and public awareness about war-affected children, and to mobilize political support for placing their protection and welfare prominently on both domestic and international policy agendas.

The participants identified key areas where concerted international action could make a particular difference to affected children: the participation of children in hostilities, sexual abuse, displacement, and the transfer and use of small arms and landmines. Special attention was drawn to the need of children in post-conflict situations, including the restoration of basic health and education services, the resettlement and reintegration of displaced children, and physical and psychological rehabilitation.

They pledged their support for the work of the Special Representative and his effort in building partnerships between governments. UN agencies, NGOs and civil society on the ground, to deal with the plight of children in time of conflict.

The participants emphasized the need to translate existing international norms and standards on the protection of children in time of conflict into practice. They welcomed the Security Council Presidential Statement of 29 June and the inclusion within the Statute of the International Criminal Court of measures to protect children in war situation, as important tools for advocacy.

The participants also underscored the importance of reinvigorating local values and norms that provide for the protection and welfare of children. And they emphasized the importance of establishing mechanisms to monitor commitments to children's protection and welfare made by parties in conflict.

The participants recognized the Japanese Government's leadership role in conflict resolution, disarmament, humanitarian and human rights issues, landmine awareness and clearing, especially with respect to children affected by armed conflict. On that matter, the Specialist Representative made a particular appeal for the Japanese government and civil society to remain engaged in the securing the rights of children in time of conflict.