The special representative of the UN secretary-general for children and armed conflict, Leila Zerrougui, on Saturday started a week-long visit to Afghanistan to assess the situation of children affected by armed conflict and engage with the Afghan authorities and partners on improving their protection.

Zerrougui's visit runs through Feb. 17, her office told reporters in an emailed statement issued here Saturday afternoon

"The conflict in Afghanistan has a devastating impact on children and the United Nations continues to record high levels of child casualties," the statement said.

Afghanistan is one of seven countries involved in the campaign "Children, Not Soldiers." In 2011, the Afghan government signed an Action Plan with the United Nations to end and prevent the recruitment and use of children in its national security forces and a road map to compliance in August 2014.

During her mission, the special representative will meet Afghan authorities, the diplomatic community as well as UN and non-governmental organization (NGO) partners to assess progress and challenges regarding the protection of children and to ensure the full implementation of the Action Plan.

Zerrougui is also planning to travel in the country to meet children and families affected by the conflict, according to the statement. Endit

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