Ghanaian children appeal to US to suspend attack on Afghanistan

Children in Ghana have made an appeal to the United States (US) to suspend its retaliatory attack on Afghanistan in order to save the lives of innocent children in that country.

In the spirit of brotherliness and solidarity, the children explained that Afghan children should be spared the wrath of the US led retaliatory attack because they were in no way connected to the terrorist assault, perpetrated by Afghan-based guerrilla chieftain, Osama bin Laden and his militant Al-Qaeda Movement on September 11 in Washington and New York.

The children made the appeal at a moot UN conference organised for some selected Junior Secondary Schools in Accra by Life-Link Friendship Schools, to portray to the children what happens during the United Nations Security Council Session in New York.

Life-Link Friendship Schools, with national network of over 53 schools and more than 3,700 members, is a non-governmental organisation dedicated to propagating the ideals of the United Nations.

It discusses global issues such as environment, security, narcotics, child development and human rights.

The moot session was used as a tool to educate pupils and students on how the UN functions and arrives at decisions. One of the most functional bodies of the UN system is the Security Council that is responsible for the maintenance of security and international peace.

The theme for the moot conference was: "HIV/AIDS and Child Welfare and Survival" but the issue of saving the children from HIV/AIDS only to be killed in American bombardment took a centre stage.

The United States representative took an entrenched position and justified its retaliation on Afghanistan in the pursuit of Osama bin Laden.

Master Peter Bamfo of Saint Anthony Junior Secondary School, representing the US saw no reason why Washington should suspend its attacks to protect Kabul's children if bin Laden and his Al-Qaeda movement had not considered making many children orphans in the US and further killing many more and depriving America of its future leaders.

To him, if Osama bin Laden thought he was not responsible for the attack, he should come out boldly from his hideout and prove his innocence and let the international community decide on what to do about the situation.

Just as Afghanistan did not have any regard or consideration for America's children, America would do likewise.

Mali and Ukraine represented by Master Daniel Osafo of Saint Martin de Porres School at Dansoman and Miss Amina Sally of Achimota School spoke emotionally and vehemently against the US presence in Afghanistan saying, the issue of terrorism should be tackled globally and Afghanistan should not be singled out and used as a scapegoat.

They argued further that Osama bin Laden, after all was not an Afghan but rather a citizen of Saudi Arabia.

After a five-minute caucus, the conference called on the international community to intensify efforts and commit more resources in the global fight against terrorism and especially protect women and children.

On the issue of AIDS, the conference unanimously adopted a resolution - Security Council Resolution 101 - which stressed the need for co-ordinated efforts of all relevant UN organisations to address the HIV/AIDS pandemic in line with their respective mandates and assist wherever possible, in the global efforts against the pandemic.

While commending the efforts of UNAIDS in co-ordinating and intensifying efforts at addressing the HIV/AIDS problem in all appropriate fora, the resolution noted that the pandemic could have a devastating impact on all sectors and levels of society if unchecked.

The resolution called on member nations of the UN to develop by 2003 and implement by 2005 national policies and strategies to build and strengthen governmental, family and community capacities to provide a supportive environment for orphans, infected and affected girls and boys.

This should include appropriate counselling and psychosocial support and ensure their enrolment in schools, access to shelter, good nutrition, health and social services on equal basis with other children.

Orphans and vulnerable children should be protected from all forms of abuse, violence, exploitation, discrimination, trafficking and loss of inheritance.

The resolution also urged the international community, particularly donor countries, civil society as well as the private sector to complement effectively national programmes to support programmes for children orphaned or made vulnerable by HIV/AIDS in affected regions and in countries at high risk and to direct special assistance to Sub Saharan Africa.