UN Sec Gen Lauds Malaysia's Initiative In Condemning Abuses Against Children In War Zones

NEW YORK, June 20 (Bernama) -- United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon lauded Malaysia for tabling a resolution condemning abuses against children in conflict zones which the Security Council unanimously adopted. Malaysia is president of the council for June, and Foreign Minister Anifah Aman tabled the resolution which was co-sponsored by 56 member states. Ban reminded the international community that protecting children was a “moral imperative and a legal obligation”. While naming many countries around the world, he also pointed the finger at Israel, which western nations tend to avoid mentioning when speaking of human rights abuses. He expressed alarm at the suffering of “so many children” as a result of “Israeli military operations in Gaza last year.” The UN chief urged Israel to take immediate steps to prevent the killing and maiming of children, and to respect the “special protections” afforded to schools and hospitals. -- BERNAMA