Moscow concerned about Syrian opposition recruitment of children
MOSCOW. July 24 (Interfax) - The Russian Foreign Ministry is concerned about the reportedly active participation of Al-Qaeda militants fighting for the Syrian opposition in the military training of children and teenagers, Ministry Ombudsman for Human Rights, Democracy and Rule of Law Konstantin Dolgov said.
"These facts, which testify to flagrant violations of children's rights, specifically the Optional Protocol on Involvement of Children in Armed Conflict to the Convention on the Rights of the Child, cause serious concerns in Russia. We are especially alarmed at the reports on the active participation of Al Qaeda militants in the military training of children and teenagers," says the report published on the ministry website on Wednesday.
These reports are not new, Dolgov said. Non-governmental organizations and international agencies, among them the United Nations, have often called attention to the active involvement of children in the hostilities in Syria, he added.
The Russian diplomat expressed hope that the international community, including the U.N. Secretary General Special Representative for Children and Armed Conflict, will respond appropriately to such facts.
Russia also expects everyone who has influence on the armed Syrian opposition to use it to encourage opposition members to obey international legal norms and prevent the recruitment of children for combat operations, Dolgov stressed.