Grown ups fight your own wars - say UK kids in biggest ever schools’ campaign
Children’s newspaper First News, with Save the Children and The Department of International Development (DFID), launch the “Conflict Children” campaign to raise awareness of the effects of war on children and put an end to the use of child soldiers.
Friday 12 September 2008
Millions of children around the world suffer because of conflict. They witness violence and some are forced to use weapons themselves. There are an estimated 200,000 -300,000 child soldiers in over 20 countries. Some are forced by armed groups or by their own governments to help fight wars.
War ruins everything. More than half the children who do not go to school live in countries that are affected by conflict. There are also indirect consequences of conflict. Homes are destroyed and children become refugees.
During the next 12 months, “Conflict Children” will go into every school in the UK to raise awareness of the plight of children hit by conflict. School children will learn about the causes and effects of war in countries like Afghanistan and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Each school will sign a letter of support to Douglas Alexander, Secretary of State for International Development, and David Miliband, the Foreign Secretary calling for an end to the use of child soldiers and protection for all children from the effects of conflict. First News will ask the UK government to share the views of UK children wherever possible during the next year
“I’m delighted at this international campaign to help children affected by conflict. This is a crucial issue for the future of our planet,” said Douglas Alexander, Secretary of State for International Development
“It is so important that our children gain a deep understanding of some of the causes and effects of conflict, knowing that they can play their own part in helping to change the world for children,” added Nicky Cox, Editor of First News.
Jasmine Whitbread, Chief Executive of Save the Children said “This is a ground breaking campaign where we hope the biggest number of UK children ever will join voices to stop children around the world being forced to fight.”
David Miliband, Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs said, “Sadly, wars affect millions of people around the world. But it is particularly sad when children are the victims of war - when they lose their parents, their homes, or even their lives. This campaign highlights the important issue of children damaged by conflict. It is a great opportunity for British children to learn about the issue and to find out what they can do to help."
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For further information contact:
Save the Children — Shazia Khan 020 7012 6841
DFID — Pippa Ranger 020 7023 1607/ 07826 892 409
First News — Kelly Austin 01483 281005/07738 942370
Notes to Editors
Save the Children is the world’s leading independent children’s charity. We’re outraged that millions of children are still denied proper healthcare, food, education and protection. We’re working flat out to get every child their rights and we’re determined to make further, faster changes. How many? How fast? It’s up to you. For further information about our work please visit www.savethechildren.org.uk
The Department for International Development (DFID) leads the UK government’s fight against global poverty. In the last year, DFID spent £4.5 billion helping millions of people to escape poverty, children to go to school, and to prevent avoidable diseases. DFID works closely with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office to help children affected by conflict. Together the two departments work with the Ministry of Defence and governments worldwide to help prevent conflict, reduce its impact and build peace. www.dfid.gov.uk.
First News was launched in May 2006 and is the only weekly national newspaper for children aged 7-14. Edited by Nicky Cox, formerly Editorial Director of BBC Children’s Magazines, it is the UK’s widest read children’s weekly with 763,000 readers every issue (YouGov Survey 2007). It is sold by subscription and major retailers priced £1.10. First News won the Save the Children Award for Outstanding Contribution to Children. First News is published by Newsbridge Limited. www.firstnews.co.uk
