SAFEGUARDING THEIR RIGHT TO EDUCATION AND ENSURING SCHOOLS ARE SAFE
A side-event in the margins of the 46th Human Rights Council session would allow to highlight the importance of safeguarding the right to education for conflict-affected children and of ensuring schools are safe. This is particularly relevant in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic that has made access to education in war areas even more difficult.
The Universities Network for Children in Armed Conflicts proposes to organize a one-hour webinar on this topic aimed at discussing the above specified questions.
The event will involve representatives of the United Nations, the Universities Network for Children in Armed Conflict, the Italian government and the other co-sponsors as well as international and national civil society organizations. It will be moderated by Ms. Laura Guercio, Universities Network for Children in Armed Conflict.
Opening remarks:
Ms. Laura Guercio, Universities Network for Children in Armed Conflict
Ms. Cathrine Andersen, Special Representative for Protection of Civilians, Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Mr. Pieter Leenknegt, Counsellor, Permanent Mission of Belgium to the UN in Geneva
Keynote Speakers:
Ms. Michelle Bachelet, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (tbc)
Ms. Virginia Gamba, Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict
Ms. Marina Sereni, Vice Minister of the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation
Panel
Mr. Fausto Pocar, Universities Network for Children in Armed Conflict and Honorary President of the International Institute of Humanitarian Law
Ms. Yatasha Govender, Advocacy and Policy Advisor, Global Coalition to Protect Education from Attacks
Ms. Sonia Khush, Syria Response Director, Save the Children
Ms. Karla Hoover, Access to Education Delegate in Azerbaijan, ICRC
Mr. Ezequiel Heffes, Legal Advisor, Geneva Call
Ms. Katherine Cocco, Child Protection Officer, UNICEF New York
CHILDREN AFFECTED BY ARMED CONFLICT