Date Published: 19 November 2008

UNICEF welcomes initiative to aid children affected by conflict

As the world commemorates Universal Children's Day, UNICEF is launching a new group that aims to amplify the voice of those suffering as a result of conflict. The group has been established by young people who have experienced the hardship children face in conflict zones.

The new network, led by former Sierra Leonean child soldier UNICEF Advocate Ishmael Beah, will be launched at the United Nations in New York, hosted by the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict and UNICEF.

The group was the brainchild of Ishmael Beah and other young people with experiences of conflict - Emmanuel Jal (Sudan), Grace Akallo (Uganda), John Kon Kelei (Southern Sudan), Zlata Filipovic (Bosnia Herzegovina), and China Keitetsi (Uganda). They will use their own experiences to raise awareness of the plight of children in conflict zones, advocate for an end to hostilities and serve as role models for children who are currently struggling to recover from war.

?Each of these young people has a story of overcoming great personal hardship,”said UNICEF Executive Director Ann M. Veneman, welcoming the launch of the network. ?This new network can draw attention to the suffering of children caught in conflicts and demonstrate how young people themselves can help dramatically rebuild their lives.?

For more information, please contact media@unicef.org.uk and 020 7430 0162.

About UNICEF
UNICEF is on the ground in over 150 countries and territories to help children survive and thrive, from early childhood through adolescence. The world's largest provider of vaccines for developing countries, UNICEF supports child health and nutrition, good water and sanitation, quality basic education for all boys and girls, and the protection of children from violence, exploitation, and AIDS. UNICEF is funded entirely by the voluntary contributions of individuals, businesses, foundations and governments.

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