United Nations, US – A 15-year-old Malian girl on Tuesday urged the UN Security Council to protect children in war zones, lest they suffer "enormous" consequences.
Her warning came after Secretary-General Antonio Guterres last week removed the Saudi-led coalition in Yemen and the Myanmar armed forces from a list of groups violating children's rights.
"Make decisions, act to ensure that other children don't find themselves in the same situation as Mohamed," said Mariam during a council video conference, recounting the story of war-related trauma suffered by a Malian boy.
"The consequences of wars and conflicts on children are enormous," making them become violent, thieves, alcoholics or drug addicts, Mariam said, speaking in a loud, clear voice.
The council meeting was organised to discuss the controversial latest report from Guterres regarding children in conflict zones.
