The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is pleased with the commendation of United Nations Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children in Armed Conflict (CAAC) and Acting Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Violence against Children (VAC), Ms. Virginia Gamba, for the recent signing of the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act 11188 or the “Special Protection of Children in Situation of Armed Conflict (CSAC) and Providing Penalties for Violation Thereof.”

The Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC), an attached agency of DSWD, led the crafting of the IRR, as mandated by RA 11188. It organized the signing of the IRR with implementing agencies on June 4.

In her press statement on June 18, through the Philippine Mission to the United Nations and other international organizations, the Special Representative said, “The adoption of the Children in Situations of Armed Conflict Law is a milestone in closing a protection gap for boys and girls in the Philippines and I welcome the recent implementing steps and commend the commitment of the Government of the Philippines to further protect children. It is crucial that boys and girls receive enhanced protection from grave violations and that all children in the Philippines can feel safe and protected at all times.”

DSWD welcomes the statement of the Special Representative, recognizing the PH Government’s efforts in safeguarding the rights and welfare of the child, especially those affected by conflict. The Secretary also assured all stakeholders and the Filipino public that the DSWD is now working on the mandates stipulated in the IRR.

The Special Representative Gamba also “encouraged the authorities to pursue their engagement for the protection of boys and girls, already enshrined in the ratification of international instruments such as the Convention on the Rights of the Children and its Optional Protocol on the involvement of children in armed conflict (OPAC), and the Vancouver Principles, and further encouraged the adoption of the Safe Schools Declaration.”

DSWD extends its gratitude to the United Nations for this appreciation which will boost the collective efforts of implementing agencies to increase the protection of conflict-affected boys and girls in the country. -30-