[Flash News] Child protection: illustrated booklets and a new signatory

Illustrated booklets to train armed non-State actors on child protection

Geneva Call is in the process of developing and testing new tools for armed non-State actors that have signed the Deed of Commitment protecting children in armed conflict, to support their efforts to disseminate their obligation under the Deed to both members and fighters.

The tools – small booklets and posters with illustrations and simple explanations of the core provisions of the Deed of Commitment protecting children in armed conflict – have been produced in English and translated in four of the languages spoken in Burma/Myanmar (Burmese, Karen, Karenni and Mon).

These materials were shared with the Karenni National Progressive Party (KNPP) at a training session that Geneva Call gave for its armed wing – the Karenni Army (KA) in early October. The KNPP is one of the first signatories to this Deed of Commitment. The session discussed how to use these new tools effectively, and the KNPP/KA is now expected to disseminate 1000 booklets and posters to its members and fighters, as well as to communities.

Similar programmes with other signatories from Burma/Myanmar are scheduled to take place later this year.

To read the booklet in English: http://bit.ly/19znGQb

The PKK commits to prevent children below 18 from taking part in hostilities

After three years of dialogue with Geneva Call, the People’s Defense Centre/People’s Defense Forces (HPG), also known as the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), has signed Geneva Call’s Deed of Commitment protecting children in armed conflict. The commitment was made on 5^th October by female commander Delal Amed, on behalf of the People’s Defense Centre/HPG.

By signing this Deed of Commitment, the People’s Defense Centre/HPG is publically formalizing its policy to prevent children under 18 from taking part in hostilities and to protect them from the effects of the conflict.

HPG has entered a reservation in accordance with the Deed of Commitment : a new non-combatant category of the HPG will be created and children between 16 and 18 will only be allowed to join this category.

“We will make all efforts to ensure that all 16-18 year olds are separated and kept away from combat zones. We are also ready to cooperate with Geneva Call and provide access to these young persons” said Delal Amed. “We sign the Deed of Commitment for the cause of children and because it is our conviction” added Baroz Erdal, member of the delegation.

“Today we are pleased to receive this pledge, which is the result of a constructive dialogue” said Elisabeth Decrey Warner, President of Geneva Call. We will now cooperate towards its implementation, which will benefit the approximately 300-400 children directly concerned, according to the People’s Defense Centre/HPG."

To read more: http://bit.ly/Hqcv2X

Geneva Call has a new facebook page: follow us on facebook/appel.de.geneve

A video to respond to the landmine threat in Burma/Myanmar

Invisible Enemies is a video produced by Geneva Call that aims at informing different stakeholders – including the Government, armed non-State actors, civil society, communities and villagers – about the short and long-term impact of landmines. At the same time, as everybody can play an important role in tackling the landmine problem, it also encourages all these stakeholders ‘to be part of the solution’.

Please help us spread this message to as many people as possible. Feel free to send it to your contacts, post it on your website, social media and use it in any training or screening opportunity. The more people who get involved, the better we can fight these Invisible Enemies.

To watch it: http://bit.ly/Hf7yti

News of the Board

In September, Bertrand Reich was elected Chair of the Board of Geneva Call.

The organization looks forward to grow under his presidency. Indeed, Mr. Reich has been member and Secretary of Geneva Call’s Board since 2004. He is a lawyer and Member of the Geneva Bar Association.

Mr. Reich succeeded Prof. Marco Sassóli who stood down from this position earlier in 2013 after ten years' service. Thanks to his expertise and vision, Prof. Sassóli played an essential role in the development of Geneva Call. The Board and staff thank him very warmly for this long-standing commitment and support. He will remain a member of the Advisory Board.

Geneva Call also extends special thanks to Priscilla Hayner who fulfilled the Chair's role in the interim period until Mr Reich's election.

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