MANILA, Philippines — Save the Children on Saturday raised concern on the situation of children in war-torn provinces in Mindanao, saying young people in these troubled areas continue to suffer deaths, injury, abduction and sexual violence. “In 2017, at least 30 children were recruited and were used as human shield by armed groups such as Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters, New People’s Army and the Maute Group,” Save the Children said in a statement. He also called on rebels and government forces to ensure children in conflict areas are safe from abduction, detention and displacement and their rights are respected. “The impact of conflict on children is deep, devastating and lifelong,” he added. The group also said 420 million children or one in five around the world now live in conflict areas, an increase of 30 million from 2016.

Source: Philippine Star February 16, 2019 06:45 UTC