NATO deputy chief highlights efforts to protect children in armed conflict

NATO Deputy Secretary General Rose Gottemoeller on Friday highlighted efforts to protect children in armed conflict at the international conference on children and armed conflict here.

Gottemoeller addressed serious threats against children in war zones at the meeting, which was hosted by the Belgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

She stated: "Serious threats to children in war zones are far too numerous today, subjecting them to indiscriminate attacks, sexual violence and recruitment as soldiers."

"Conferences like this help to call attention to a problem that is still too often overlooked and under-reported," she said, adding, "This attention puts pressure on countries and international organizations to do more."

During talks with the Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General for children and armed conflict, Leila Zerrougui, Gottemoeller highlighted NATO's work with the UN in this field.

"Over the years, NATO and its operational partners have learned important lessons about how to guard against civilian casualties -- and specifically how to mitigate dangers posed to children in conflict areas," Gottemoeller said. Endit