Fragility as a framework to address national security prioritiesįragility is the absence or breakdown of a social contract between citizens and their government. Here is why and how the forthcoming NSS should address state fragility. Fragile states are less equipped to quell the spread of pandemics like COVID-19, more likely to be the source of violent conflict because of predatory governance, less able to curb climate change or deal with its effects, and in some cases more susceptible to meddling from Beijing or Moscow. Indeed, fragility is intertwined with the administration’s core priorities. The United States must therefore “do what we can” to help strengthen fragile states and prevent them from becoming “failed states.” As Secretary of State Antony Blinken said during his confirmation hearing: “The risks that continue to be posed from fragile states” are “very much” on President Joe Biden’s mind. Top among them should be state fragility and associated threats to U.S. But so too will other less prominent but still critical issues. Zerrougui was in particular pleased to hear about the initiatives taken by the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan to address children’s rights violations through support for public information campaigns, training for the Afghan National Security Forces and enhanced reporting mechanisms.As the White House puts pen to paper on its first National Security Strategy (NSS), these themes will feature prominently. In her briefing to the Operations Policy Committee, Zerrougui welcomed NATO’s efforts to implement in its operations UN Security Council Resolution 1612, which put in place a monitoring and reporting mechanism of grave violations committed against children. Attention will be paid to the proper procedures for dealing with children associated with armed groups. Emphasis will be placed on mechanisms to detect potential risks to children. It will stress the importance of upholding conduct of military operations. The new training package will help troops who are preparing for deployment on operations. “The growing involvement of regional organisations in conflict mediation, peacekeeping operations and peace enforcement missions highlights the importance of joining our efforts to promote adequate protection for children affected by conflict,” said Leila Zerrougui. Schools and hospitals come under fire and are subject to other deliberate attacks. They are recruited by armed forces and armed groups, become the victims of indiscriminate attacks or are subjected to sexual violence. The evolving character and tactics of contemporary warfare create unprecedented threats for children. I am very happy to join Mrs Zerrougui in launching the training module,” he added. “The training module that Allied Command Transformation has developed jointly with the UN is a tangible demonstration of our close cooperation. “Our experience working with the United Nations to address the protection of children in conflict areas like Afghanistan has been very positive,” said Assistant Secretary General Stephen Evans, the NATO Focal Point on Children and Armed Conflict. This training is a comprehensive course designed to increase knowledge on children affected by armed conflict and ensure that NATO troops are better prepared to prevent violations and to assist in reducing the effects of armed conflict on children. On 26 June, during a visit to NATO Headquarters by Leila Zerrougui, the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict, NATO launched a comprehensive and innovative e-learning course. NATO and the United Nations (UN) are working together to protect children affected by conflict. NATO - North Atlantic Treaty Organisation NATO and the United Nations launch a training module on Children and Armed Conflict
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