Annan reports on children in conflict

UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan has recommended that the impact on children of the exploitation of natural resources in DRC should be investigated by a special panel appointed by Security Council. In his report on ‘Children and Armed Conflict’, Annan said an estimated 10,000 to 20,000 children under 15 serve as combatants with the various fighting forces in the DRC. He also cited the importance of breaking the link between illegal exploitation of resources, the illicit trade in small arms and the involvement of children in armed conflict. The Security Council had adopted his proposal that child protection officers be part of all peacekeeping operations. He said they would join the MONUC team with the specific task of ensuring humanitarian assistance for children. The full report, ‘Children and Armed Conflict’, can be viewed at: http://www.un.org/Docs/sc/reports/2000/sgrep00.htm