125 children associated with armed conflict released in Zintan, Libya
Statement Attributable to Abdel Rahman Ghandour, UNICEF Special Representative in Libya
TUNIS, Tunisia, 22 October 2017 – “UNICEF welcomes the release of 125 children associated with armed conflict in Zintan, northwest of Libya, with support from the Zintan municipal Council.
“Recruitment of children is a grave violation of children’s rights, and one that has irreparable and lifelong consequences. We encourage other councils across Libya to follow suit.
“Since the eruption of the conflict in Libya in 2011, hundreds of children have reportedly been recruited to join the fighting.
“UNICEF calls on all parties to the conflict to immediately stop recruiting children.”
###
Notes to editors
UNICEF and partners are providing specialized psychosocial support for nearly 500 children and youth affected by the conflict, along with parties to the conflict and community leaders on the risks of child recruitment.
Media contacts
About UNICEF
UNICEF promotes the rights and wellbeing of every child, in everything we do. Together with our partners, we work in 190 countries and territories to translate that commitment into practical action, focusing special effort on reaching the most vulnerable and excluded children, to the benefit of all children, everywhere.
For more information about UNICEF and its work for children, visit www.unicef.org.
