Brussels launch of Plan International's "Because I am a Girl" report
On 25 June in Brussels, Plan International will launch their new report entitled: "Because I am a Girl: The state of the world's girls in 2008 - Special Focus: In the Shadow of War". The report draws attention to the plight of girls in conflict situations who find themselves forced from their homes, caring for younger siblings or at risk from rape, beatings and abduction.
The launch will take place from 13.00-14.30 in room ASP 5E2 of the European Parliament, and will be chaired by MEP Ana Maria Gomes. Speakers will include author of the report Nikki van der Gaag, Michelle Lebrun of the European Commission's Humanitarian Aid Office (ECHO), Osnat Lubrani of UNIFEM and Sylvie Fouet of UNICEF.
Figures in the report reveal:
38 countries have used girl soldiers in armed conflict in the last two decades
200 million girls live in countries that are at risk of, in the midst of or emerging from armed conflict
90 per cent of victims of modern warfare are civilian with more and more women and children
About 20 million girls are out of school in war zones
On 25 June in Brussels, Plan International will launch their new report entitled: "Because I am a Girl: The state of the world's girls in 2008 - Special Focus: In the Shadow of War". The report draws attention to the plight of girls in conflict situations who find themselves forced from their homes, caring for younger siblings or at risk from rape, beatings and abduction.