§ 20 Mr. Martin BellTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development what steps her Department is taking to help children whom UNICEF assesses to have been affected by conflict situations. [34648]
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§ 14 Clare ShortMy Department is committed to supporting initiatives to protect and promote the rights of children affected by war. We have supported a number of projects world-wide including UNICEF's new work on child protection, and will continue to push for the upholding of humanitarian norms to protect children threatened by conflict. In addition, we have provided £200,000 to support the work of the new UN Special Representative on Children and Armed Conflict which aims to ensure the protection, healing and rehabilitation of children affected by armed conflicts world-wide. We will host a ministerial meeting in London on 23 June to promote Mr. Otunnu's work to our European partners and NGOs, and will explore opportunities for working together in specific countries.