Stop the War on Children
The targeting and use of children in armed conflict is always illegal. Under international law, there are rules in place to protect them from harm. In the Philippines, Special Protection of Children in Situations of Armed Conflict Act (CSAC) Law or Republic Act. No. 11188 which was signed into law last 10 January 2019.
One in five children in today’s world lives in an area affected by conflict while 1.8 million Filipino children in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) are vulnerable to conflict.
Children must be in school and in the playground, not in the horror of the battleground. Save the Children calls for children to be given safety, justice and the practical help they need to stay safe and to recover.
Together we can build a national movement of millions to stand with the millions of children affected by armed conflict. This is why we urgently need you to speak out today to help “Stop the War on Children”. Together, we can help protect Filipino children from the horrors of armed conflict. Join our campaign now. Sign our petition to call for the full implementation of the CSAC Law, so that:
1. Children’s human rights will be respected at all times;
2. All children involved in, affected by, or displaced by conflict will be treated as victims;
3. Programs and services of health, including adolescent reproductive health, nutrition, water and sanitation, livelihood, education and early childhood development programs, health professional evaluation and intervention and psychosocial support are available to children in situations of armed conflict;
4. Continue to provide effective protection and relief to all children in situations of armed conflict from all forms of abuse, violence, neglect, cruelty, discrimination and other conditions prejudicial to their development taking into consideration their gender, cultural, ethnic and religious background;
5. Take all necessary measures to prevent the recruitment and use of children in armed conflict;
6. Fulfill its responsibilities to end impunity and to prosecute those responsible for committing crimes against children in armed conflict;
7. Ensure the right of participation of children affected by armed conflict in all policies, actions, and decision concerning their rescue, rehabilitation, and reintegration.
You can find a copy of Special Protection of Children in Situations of Armed Conflict Act (CSAC) Law or Republic Act. No. 11188 in this link https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/downloads/2019/01jan/20190110-RA-11188-RRD.pdf