The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) have forged an agreement that will pull out minors serving in MILF camps.

The agreement between UNICEF and MILF seeks to ensure the protection of minors affected by the armed conflict in southern Philippines.

“The MILF committed to concrete and time-bound activities pertaining to unimpeded access by monitoring teams, prevention of recruitment, release and reintegration of any children under 18, and awareness and capacity building on child rights and child protection mechanisms within the MILF,” the UNICEF said in a statement.

“This new development gives a clear message that with effective dialogue, it is possible for all parties to unite for the protection of children. Children are affected in multiple ways by the conflict in the Philippines. Whether they are displaced or used as couriers, cooks or soldiers, they should be protected from violence and return to their communities to live normal lives as children,” UNICEF country representative Vanessa Tobin said.