In a recently released report, “Protecting children affected by armed violence in the community,” the United Nations Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Violence against Children states that “armed  violence  in  the community  compromises children’s  rights and is associated with  serious  risks for their development and safety, causing children to be injured,  disabled,  traumatized, exploited,  orphaned,imprisoned  and  at  times  killed. Living in a community affected by armed violence has consequences  for   children who are targeted as well as those who witness or feel threatened by such an environment. Armed violence disrupts social harmony and family life, interrupts schooling, compromises health care, undermines economic development and generates fear which limits children’s ability to move freely, participate in the life of their community, enjoy childhood and develop as empowered citizens.”

The report highlights that protecting children from the impact of armed violence in the community is a priority concern for the United Nations Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Violence against Children and is being pursued in cooperation with a wide range of partners  within  and beyond the United Nations.

As one of those partners, Defend International has been involved in identifying and addressing the impact of the misuse of weapons on human rights, development, health, crime, global terrorism, violence against women and  youth,  as well as the pursuit of humanitarian activities.

To download or read the full report click on the photo below