Manila: The Philippines has adopted a law providing for increased protection to children during times of armed conflict by declaring them as “special zones of peace.”

The “Special Protection of Children in Situations of Armed Conflict Act,” aims to protect children in situations of armed conflict from all forms of abuse and violence by stipulating strict provisions that would allow the government to prosecute persons or groups violating the measure.

The new edict lapsed into law last January 11 after it was transmitted to President Rodrigo Duterte last December 2018 but was passed off for signature by the Philippine leader. Under the country’s rules, measures which were ratified by both chambers of Congress---the Senate and the House---but had already been vetted by the bicameral conference committee, will lapse into law after a period of a month after transmittal.

The new law is part of the Philippines’ compliance with international obligations protecting children of children from armed conflict.

Child rights advocates under the umbrella alliance Child Rights Network (CRN), said this new law is critical in ensuring the safety and welfare of children in conflict areas.

CRN said that verified data from the Office of the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict published in 2018 reveal that there was a significant increase in the number of grave violations against children in situations of armed conflict in 2017 in the Philippines.

The UN-attached office cited 30 cases of recruitment and use of children by armed groups (a large number of which were linked to the Maute group), the detention of 12 children for their alleged association with armed groups, 33 verified cases of killing and maiming, three cases of rape in the context of the Marawi siege, 60 attacks on schools and hospitals (a substantial increase from 12 recorded cases in 2016), and incidents of abduction.

Among the prohibited acts in the new law include killing, torture, intentional maiming, rape, abduction, recruitment of children into government armed forces and other armed groups, hamletting, food blockade, arbitrary detention, and denial of humanitarian access.

“The law is also celebrated for its progressive and gender-sensitive provisions which include guarantees of access to education of girls even in situations of armed conflict as well as access to reproductive health services,” CRN said.

The age of protection from these enumerated grave child rights violations under the new law, including recruitment into armed groups and government forces, covers all minors or those below 18 years of age. Penalties go up to life imprisonment and a fine amounting to P5 million (Dhs 351,966).

“With the new law in full force, we believe that abhorrent situations brought on by armed conflict can be swiftly addressed and alleviated, mitigating the effects of trauma for the children and their families,” CRN said.