New York, Mar 18, 2020, SPA -- The Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict, Virginia Gamba, welcomed the Child Protection Code, which emphasizes that children associated with armed groups should be considered primarily as victims and addresses other grave violations against children. "This Code is a strong step for the protection of children and the prevention of grave violations," said Special Representative Gamba. She also urged the Government of the Central African Republic to swiftly adopt the draft protocol for the handover of children associated with armed groups to civilian child protection actors, so they can benefit from appropriate reintegration support. --SPA 20:53 LOCAL TIME 17:53 GMT 0026 www.spa.gov.sa/w1290798