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Watchlist: Children in Afghanistan

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New Compilation of Statistics on Child Rights Abuses in Afghanistan

Afghan children have suffered a litany of rights abuses over the past twenty years and face grave risks during the current conflict, concludes a new overview of the effect of armed conflict on children in Afghanistan. "Watchlist on Children and Armed Conflict: Afghanistan" is released today by the Women’s Commission for Refugee Women and Children on behalf of more than a dozen non-governmental organizations.

Watchlist details child rights abuses in Afghanistan using statistics gathered from humanitarian organizations and UN agencies working in the region. "The situation for Afghan children and adolescents is shocking," said Mary Diaz, Executive Director of the Women's Commission. "Generations of young people have suffered severe physical and emotional trauma as a direct result of twenty years of war. The ongoing violence continues to threaten their well-being."

Of the 7.5 million Afghans who may have to rely on international relief to survive this winter, 1.5 million are children under the age of five. Even before the current military offensive this month, UNICEF estimated that one in four children born in Afghanistan could expect to die before their fifth birthday.Both the Taliban and Northern Alliance forces have violated Afghan children’s rights, Watchlist reports. Both sides have recruited children under the age of 18 as child soldiers, although it is difficult to determine precise numbers. The Taliban has drawn recruits from young Afghan refugees attending religious schools in Pakistan and Afghanistan, with large-scale recruitment associated with significant defeats or major offensives. Children have also been reported in the ranks of the Northern Alliance forces. Representatives of the Coalition to Stop the Use of Child Soldiers were told of a recruitment drive which included children during a visit to Pakistan in November 2000.

And whilst much attention has been paid to the Taliban’s abuse of women’s rights, women and girls also face harsh discrimination in Northern Alliance areas and in refugee camps outside of Afghanistan. In all areas, there has been a history of serious abuse, including rape, abduction, forced early marriage and prostitution.

"Afghan children are among the poorest in the world," said Mary Diaz. "The United Nations Security Council must be vigilant in ensuring that children's rights are protected during this time of conflict in Afghanistan. Member states should intensify efforts to stop the use of child soldiers and make humanitarian assistance to children a priority."

Editor’s note: Experts on refugees, landmines, child soldiers and other child rights issues are available for interview. Please contact Rachel Watson, Media Liaison, Women’s Commission for Refugee Women & Children

Phone: 212 551 0959

Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Visit www.womenscommission.org to read Watchlist on Children & Armed Conflict: Afghanistan