Manila: The United Nations (UN) Secretary-General's 2024 Annual Report on Children and Armed Conflict has confirmed that the Philippines will be officially removed from the list of situations of concern in 2025. This decision marks a significant step in the country's journey from conflict to peace, highlighting its leadership in child protection, as stated by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) in a news release.
According to Philippines News Agency, the report by UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres, released on June 20, recognizes the Philippines' efforts since first being listed in 2003. The country faced concerns over the recruitment and use of children by armed groups, prompting it to implement important reforms to ensure a safer environment for children. Enhanced cooperation with the UN began in November 2024, further solidifying these efforts.
A pivotal meeting took place in New York in March, where Undersecretary Angelo Tapales of the Council for the Welfare of Children and UN Special Representative of Secretary General Virginia Gamba discussed the Philippine roadmap for child protection. Key initiatives include the establishment of the Inter-Agency Committee on Children Involved in Armed Conflict (IAC-CIAC), the adoption of the 4th National Plan of Action for Children, and the implementation of Executive Order 79, which institutionalizes the MAKABATA (Mahalin at Kalingain Ating mga Bata) program and Helpline 1383.
The MAKABATA system is designed to address issues affecting children in need of special protection, providing a comprehensive platform for reporting and referring cases to relevant agencies, and offering psychosocial, medical, and legal assistance. The initiative aims to develop protocols for handling CIAC cases, ensuring continuous support from implementing agencies, and synchronizing governmental reporting and monitoring mechanisms to protect children in conflict scenarios.
The Philippines plans to co-host an international event later this year to share its experiences and best practices, positioning itself as a global model for child protection in post-conflict settings.
