PRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON WAR-AFFECTED CHILDREN

KUALA LUMPUR, 9 November 2012 - The Kuala Lumpur Foundation to Criminalise War (KLFCW) in it efforts to highlight the effects of war on children will be organising an International Conference on War-Affected Children at the Dewan Tun Dr Ismail at the Putra World Trade Centre on 22 November 2012.

Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali, who is a trustee of the KLFCW and the Founder of the Criminalise War Club, Malaysian Chapter, is very much at the forefront of highlighting the sad plight of war-affected children and has initiated programmes to help these young ones enjoy better health care, nutrition, education and welfare.

“Children are our hope and the pride and joy of parents and they perpetuate life. Yet, when conflict breaks out, it is children who suffer brutal treatment. They became casualty of war, collateral damage,” said Tun Dr Siti Hasmah.

She adds that children, being our future should not be indoctrinated with hatred and should be made to understand that there are other ways, aside from war, to resolve conflicts.

Several high-profile speakers will share their thoughts and their expert opinion on the effects of war on children at this international conference.

Francis A. Boyle, a professor of International Law from the University Illinois will be delivering a talk on theLegal Protection of Children in Armed Conflict. Chea Leang, a National Co-Prosecutor, Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia – ECCC will be speaking on Khmer Rouge: Atrocities Committed on Children. Prof. Paola Manduca, a Geneticist from the University of Genoa, Italy will give her expert views on What War Does to Children while Dr Raj Abdul Karim, President of the Malaysian AIDS Council will talk about the Effects of War on Children’s Health.

At the same conference, Tun Dr Siti Hasmah will also introduce the Children’s Charter to Criminalise War. This charter calls on the world to recognise and realise the futility of war and its effects on children.

The charter demands that wars of aggression must be made a crime and that all their perpetrators be brought to justice and that States and governments must always protect children from becoming victims of wars and armed conflicts. The charter also stresses that children must never be forced or induced to participate in any wars or armed conflicts and that children who are refugees in foreign countries or displaced within their own countries must be given special care, aid and attention by the international community. It emphasises that children in war zones, areas of conflict or disasters must be rescued and given care and protection until peace and public order has been restored.

Indeed, the Kuala Lumpur Foundation to Criminalise War is waging a noble effort to criminalise war and energise peace.

The conference will be held from 9 am until 12.30pm on 22 November 2012 at the Dewan Tun Dr Ismail at the Putra World Trade Centre.

ends.

For further information, please contact
Dato’ Dr Yaacob Merican
Secretary General of the KLWCC Secretariat
Tel: +6012-227 8680

Ms Malkeet Kaur
Media Representative of KLFCW

malkeet@dbook.com.my
Tel: +6012-3737 886

About the Kuala Lumpur Foundation to Criminalise War (KLFCW)Malaysia’s fourth Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad founded the Kuala Lumpur Foundation to Criminalise War (KLFCW), a non-governmental organisation established under the laws of Malaysia on 12 March 2007.

The main objectives of the Foundation, as stated in its Statutes are, inter alia:

1.    To undertake all necessary measures and initiatives to criminalise war and energise peace;
2.    To provide relief, assistance and support to individuals and communities who are    suffering from the effects of war and armed conflict wherever occurring and without discrimination on the grounds of nationality, racial origin, religion, belief, age, gender or other forms of impermissible differentiations;
3.   To promote the education of individuals and communities suffering from the effects of war or armed conflict;
4.   To foster schemes for the relief of human suffering occasioned by war or armed conflict;
5.   To provide for mechanisms or procedures in attainment of the above purposes.