MILF welcomes UN resolution vs child combatants

MANILA, Philippines - The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) yesterday welcomed a resolution of the United Nations (UN) Security Council against the recruitment of child warriors and stressed that it has barred the employment of children into its armed unit.

In a statement, MILF Central Committee secretariat chairman Muhammad Ameen said the recruitment of children into their military is prohibited by their Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF) code of conduct.

He said the code of conduct states that no child shall be admitted into the BIAF and that feasible measures should be taken to ensure the protection and care of children affected by armed conflict.

Ameen said the UN Security Council resolution would enable parties to cleanse their ranks of child warriors.

He also urged the Philippine government “to be serious in complying with their obligation to forego their recruitment of children into their paramilitary forces.”

Citing an earlier UN Security Council report, Ameen said half of the violations involving the recruitment of child warriors were committed by the Philippine government.

He said the remaining half were committed by the New People’s Army, Abu Sayyaf, and the MILF.

Ameen alleged that only one percent of these violations were committed by the MILF. He, however, did not state specific figures.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines has denied enlisting children into its ranks and maintained that it is looking after the welfare of minors in conflict areas.

The UN Security Council resolution passed on July 12 urged member-states to act immediately against groups who abuse and violate children caught in armed conflict.

The resolution also cited the need “to bring to justice” those behind such abusive actions “through national justice systems and, where applicable, international justice mechanisms and mixed criminal courts and tribunals.”

The UN Security Council reiterated that the recruitment of children, killing and maiming, rape and other sexual violence, attacks on schools and/or hospitals are violations of international law.