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UNICEF concerned about impact of drug war on kids, says Kian's death disturbing


The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) on Tuesday expressed concern on the impact on children of the Duterte administration's war on drugs.

Philippine UNICEF Representative Lotta Sylwander in her statement said the death of minor Kian delos Santos as well as the circumstances of his death were "disturbing."

"The death of 17-year-old Kian Delos Santos during the drug raid in Caloocan City and the circumstances of his untimely death in relation to the State’s war on drugs are deeply disturbing," she said.

Sylwander has also sympathized with the 17-year-old's family, as well as those who were affected by the consequences of the drug operations.

"UNICEF offers its condolences to Kian’s family. We share their grief and the grief of all the families of children who have been killed, as well as of children who have lost parents, caregivers and relatives, during anti-drug operations," she said.

The organization also called for a fair and transparent investigation on Kian's death saying the investigation must "seek to guarantee the best interests of children and promote respect for their rights."

"Those who are responsible for killings and deliberate violence against children must be held accountable, " Sylwander added.

She also noted the obligations of the Philippines as a signatory to the Convention on the Rights of the Child.

"The Philippines, as a State Party to the Convention on the Rights of the Child, has a legal and moral obligation to promote, protect and fulfill the human rights of every child. Every child’s right to life, to develop to her or his full potential, to be heard, and to be protected from all forms of violence are universal and inalienable. There are no exceptions. These rights apply without qualification," the UNICEF representative said.

UNICEF has identified with other organizations and individuals who have demanded action against the war on drugs of the Duterte administration.

"UNICEF Philippines joins the many organizations and individuals coming together to demand action to prevent any further loss of children’s lives. There is no higher value for a society than to protect its own children and youth," the organization said. —Akari Nakano/KG, GMA News

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