UNICEF warns of rise in violence against children in Sahel

The UNICEF urged protection for children in the central Sahel after a surge in violence against them by 130% by the end of last year.

Recruitment by armed groups amid rampant insecurity and attacks on civilians contributed to the “dramatic” increase in casualties among the under-age, notably in conflict stricken countries like Mali and Burkina Faso, the UNICEF said in a statement.

“Civilians need protection from all forms of violence. Communities caught up in fighting need protection. Far too many children are being affected by grave violations of their rights, including killings, abduction and recruitment by armed groups,” Gilles Fagninou, UNICEF’s regional director for West and Central Asia said.

Between February and April, over 1,180 security incidents were reported, which claimed the lives nearly 3,400 people, UNICEF said.

In 2005, the UN Security Council has identified in a resolution six grave violations against children: recruitment and use of child soldiers, killing and maiming, sexual violence, abduction, attacks against schools or hospitals and the denial of humanitarian access.