-Caveat Lector- Maputo Conference Seeks End to Use of Children as Soldiers in Africa Africa News Service 07-APR-99 Johannesburg (UN Integrated Regional Information Network, April 7, 1999) - The International Save the Children Alliance and the Coalition to Stop the Use of Child Soldiers are pleased to announce the convening of an African Conference on the Use of Children as Soldiers in Maputo from 19-22 April at the Hotel Rovuma in Maputo. The aim of the Conference, which is being hosted by the Government of Mozambique, is to promote concrete action to end the military recruitment and participation in armed conflict of all children under 18 years of age. This is in accordance with regional standards in Africa as well as national legislation in the overwhelming majority of Africa countries. Among the speakers will be Ms Graca Machel, President of the Community Development Foundation in Mozambique, Mr. Olara Otunnu, Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict, and Ms Angelina Atyam, Founder Member of Concerned Parents Association of Uganda, and winner of the UN Human Rights Prize for 1998. More than 150 participants are expected to attend the Conference, which will bring together African Governments, representatives of regional and intergovernmental organisations, including the Organisation of African Unity, the United Nations and the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, as well as African and international non-governmental organisations. Key governments from other regions of the world are also participating. The Conference, the first of four regional gatherings to be convened by the Coalition to Stop the Use of Child Soldiers in 1999, will reflect on newly conducted research into national recruitment legislation and practice throughout Africa, as well as child participation in both governmental and non-governmental armed forces in conflicts across the continent. The research study will be formally launched on 19 April, the first day of the Conference. Other regional conferences will take place in Latin America and the Caribbean (July), Europe (September), and Asia (October). The Coalition to Stop the Use of Child Soldiers was formed in May 1998 and is headed by a Steering Committee of seven international NGOs: Amnesty International, Defence for Children International, Human Rights Watch, International Federation Terre des Hommes, the International Save the Children Alliance, the Jesuit Refugee Service, and the Quakers United Nations Office, Geneva. In addition, national coalitions have been set up in more than 20 countries. The International Committee of the Red Cross, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, and UNICEF have observer status with the Coalition. Maputo, 1 April 1999 For further information please contact Ms Kai Crooks, Conference Coordinator or Ms Mali Nilsson, Project Coordinator, at the Conference Secretariat, c/o UNICEF, Tel: (2581) 491684/7; Fax: (2581) 491679; E-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED] This item is delivered by the UN's IRIN humanitarian information unit (e-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED]; fax: +254 2 622129; Web: http://www.reliefweb.int/IRIN), but may not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations. If you re-print, copy, archive or re-post this item, please retain this credit and disclaimer. Copyright 1999 UN Integrated Regional Information Network. Distributed via Africa News Online. ================================= Robert F. Tatman [EMAIL PROTECTED] [EMAIL PROTECTED] Remove "nospam" from the address to reply. NOTICE: In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, this material is distributed without profit to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving the included information for research and educational purposes. For more information go to: http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/17/107.shtml POSTING THIS MESSAGE TO THE INTERNET DOES NOT IMPLY PERMISSION TO SEND UNSOLICITED COMMERCIAL E-MAIL (SPAM) TO THIS OR ANY OTHER INTERNET ADDRESS. RECEIPT OF SPAM WILL RESULT IN IMMEDIATE NOTIFICATION OF THE SENDER'S ISP. ____________________________________________________________________ Get your own FREE, personal Netscape WebMail account today at http://webmail.netscape.com. DECLARATION & DISCLAIMER ========== CTRL is a discussion and informational exchange list. Proselyzting propagandic screeds are not allowed. Substance�not soapboxing! These are sordid matters and 'conspiracy theory', with its many half-truths, misdirections and outright frauds is used politically by different groups with major and minor effects spread throughout the spectrum of time and thought. That being said, CTRL gives no endorsement to the validity of posts, and always suggests to readers; be wary of what you read. CTRL gives no credeence to Holocaust denial and nazi's need not apply. Let us please be civil and as always, Caveat Lector. ======================================================================== Archives Available at: http://home.ease.lsoft.com/archives/CTRL.html http:[EMAIL PROTECTED]/ ======================================================================== To subscribe to Conspiracy Theory Research List[CTRL] send email: SUBSCRIBE CTRL [to:] [EMAIL PROTECTED] To UNsubscribe to Conspiracy Theory Research List[CTRL] send email: SIGNOFF CTRL [to:] [EMAIL PROTECTED] Om
