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UN calls for urgent action to end use of child soldiers in conflict

Xinhua, February 13, 2015 Adjust font size:

The United Nations on Thursday called for urgent action to end use of child soldiers in conflict as children are increasingly vulnerable to recruitment by armed groups.

In a joint press release marking the International Day against the Use of Child Soldiers, the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) and the UN Special Representative for Children and Armed Conflict, Leila Zerrougui, appealed to all parties of conflicts to meet their obligations under international law and end grave violations against children including their recruitment and use by armed groups.

"While governments of the world have made progress to recognize children have no place in their armies, the recruitment of child soldiers is still a huge problem, especially with armed groups," said Zerrougui.

"Out of 59 parties to conflict identified by the Secretary- General for grave violations against children, 57 are named because they are recruiting and using child soldiers," she added.

According to the UN, tens of thousands of boys and girls are associated with armed forces and armed groups in conflicts in over 20 countries around the world. Many have been victims of, witness to and forced participants in acts of unspeakable brutality.

Situations in Afghanistan, Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Iraq and Syria are of particular concern.

UNICEF Deputy Executive Director Yoka Brandt said that the release of all children from armed groups must take place without delay. "We cannot wait for peace to help children caught in the midst of war," she said.

"Investing in ways to keep children away from the frontlines, including through education and economic support, is absolutely critical to their future and the future of their societies," Brandt said.

The International Day against the Use of Child Soldiers is observed annually on Feb. 12 since 2002, when the Optional Protocol on the Involvement of Children in Armed Conflict entered into force, aiming to protect children from recruitment and use in hostilities. At present, 158 countries have ratified the protocol. Endite