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Derechos | Equipo Nizkor
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Derechos | Equipo Nizkor
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17May16
UN chief welcomes deal by Colombia, FARC rebels to release child soldiers
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Tuesday welcomed an agreement between the government of Colombia and the country's largest rebel group to release minors under 15-year-old from the rebels'camp.
On Sunday, the Colombian government and Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) announced the agreement on the parties' commitment to develop a roadmap to complete the separation of all minors and on a special comprehensive program focused on these children.
"This agreement, achieved with the good offices of the Secretary-General's Special Representative for Children and Armed Conflict, Leila Zerrougui, heralds the end of the conflict for its youngest participants, recognized as victims in the agreement," said a statement released by Ban's spokesperson.
Ban also called on negotiators from both sides to "achieve promptly a final agreement that will allow all Colombians to enjoy the benefits of a lasting peace."
Last week, the Colombian government and FARC agreed on a series of "institutional mechanisms" regarding the final peace deal they have been negotiating for to end the five-decade armed conflict in the country.
Once reached, the final peace deal will be presented to the UN Security Council and the UN chief.
[Source: Xinhua, United Nations, 17May16]
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 | This document has been published on 27Jun16 by the Equipo Nizkor and Derechos Human Rights. In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, this material is distributed without profit to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving the included information for research and educational purposes. |