Germany provides US$725,000 to UNICEF for child soldiers

Germany has announced that it would provide US$ 725,000 to a UNICEF program to support children associated with armed forces and armed groups (CAAFAG) in Nepal.

"The work undertaken by UNICEF and others to reintegrate these children and youth into society, to provide them new and peaceful opportunities and perspectives is of the utmost importance, not only for the future of the children but also for the fragile peace process in Nepal" said Norbert Meyer, Deputy Chief of Mission at the German Embassy in Nepal.

The committed amount will be utilised to sustain and strengthen the work already being undertaken by the Government of Nepal and UNICEF for these children, according to a press release issued by the UNICEF. The programme is helping young people to reintegrate into society and rebuild normal lives for themselves after years in which they may have lived in an armed or militarised environment

Gillian Mellsop, Country Representative of UNICEF in Nepal, said that with this significant contribution, Germany and UNICEF are expressing their willingness to assist the Government of Nepal in realising its commitment to protect all children from any kind of violence and involvement in conflict.

She also encouraged the government to accelerate procedures to release those identified as minors from the cantonments and called for a long-term government strategy to reintegrate children and youth affected by the conflict.

"It is the Government of Nepal's responsibility to ensure that all children concerned have access to social services which respond to their needs," said Ms. Mellsop.

UNICEF's programme of reintegration of children associated with armed groups began in 2007 and is currently supported by several donors (Belgium, UK DFID, Japan, and the European Union). The CAAFAG Working Group (which comprises of NGOs, INGOs, UNICEF and other UN agencies) has already provided support to more than 3,500 children and young people formerly associated with armed groups across the country. The support aims to ensure that these young people are protected and cared for through the provision of services such as education, vocational training, and social support, and also through support to community-based structures to help prevent further recruitment. nepalnews.com ag Mar 23 08