Kuwaiti envoy advocates increased protection of children during conflicts

KUWAIT, Feb 21 (KUNA) -- Millions of children are going through "difficult" humanitarian conditions in areas plagued by armed conflict and are in dire need of protection, a Kuwaiti diplomat said on Tuesday.
Kuwait's Ambassador to France Sami Al-Sulaiman made the remarks in a speech during the international "Protect Children from War" conference held in the French capital, presided over by French Foreign Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault.
During the conference, the Kuwaiti envoy expressed his concern over the involvement of children in armed conflicts, a statement by the Kuwaiti embassy in France, obtained by KUNA, noted.
Moreover, he said that coercing children into these conflicts constitutes a "flagrant violation" of their rights, noting that Kuwait will host a pair of conferences to support children's rights in Somalia and Palestine, due on May 9th and 11th, respectively.
He also spoke of the "systemic violence" against children in Syria, adding that some children have also been deprived of inalienable rights, including education. (end) nam