The Twenty-fifth International Conference of the Red Cross,

noting with satisfaction the progress of the work of the United Nations Commission on Human Rights on the draft Convention on the Rights of the Child, while drawing governments' attention to the fact that it is essential for that work to result in provisions granting protection comparable to and, if possible, greater than existing international instruments,

being conscious of the major challenge that the plight of children in emergency situations, whether accompanied or not, represents to governments, National Societies and other relief agencies,

deeply worried about the security of unaccompanied children, especially in emergencies,

recognizing that children during emergency situations have the right o access to parental or family care to the greatest possible extent, an stressing the need for governments, National Societies and other relie agencies to take the necessary steps to ensure this,

1. urges governments, National Societies, the League, the ICRC and other relief agencies especially to take care of children when emergenc situations occur, and to protect them from all forms of physical and mental injury or abuse

2. urges governments, National Societies, the League, the ICRC and other relief agencies to take appropriate measures to combat the illicit international transfer and non-return of children,

3. urges governments, National Societies, the League, the ICRC and other relief agencies to take appropriate measures to identify unaccompanied minors as soon as possible, establish and maintain an individual file and ensure that tracing efforts are made with a view to family reuniting,

4. recommends governments and National Societies to take appropriate steps for the successful rehabilitation of children who have been victims of emergencies,

5. asks governments and National Societies to report to the next International Conference on the measures taken to assist children in emergency situations.