The League of Arab States and the UN Office of the Special Representative for Children and Armed Conflict on Monday entered into an agreement to strengthen the protection of children affected by armed conflict in the Arab world.

Arab League Secretary-General Nabil Elaraby signed the cooperation agreement with UN Deputy Secretary-General Jan Eliasson.

"This agreement is an important step to ensure the protection of children in the Arab world," said Elaraby. "I welcome this initiative and look forward to working closely with the UN special representative, Leila Zerrougui, to achieve our common goal: an Arab world where children -- the future of our region -- can grow up in peace."

The Arab world has witnessed numerous political and social changes in recent times and it is of utmost importance that the protection and the rights of children remain a priority.

Eliasson said that, "The United Nations is strengthening our valuable partnership with the League of Arab State." "I welcome this agreement as an important tool to join forces to address the extremely serious issue of children affected by armed conflict."

The Cooperation Agreement with the League of Arab States is part of the efforts of the UN special representative for children and armed conflict to engage with regional organizations.

"I'm looking forward to working with the League of Arab States to operationalize this agreement that has the potential to make a real difference in children's lives," Zerrougui said. Endite

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