International Day Against the Use of Child Soldiers 2024 (US): February 12 is observed as International Day Against the Use of Child Soldiers. The purpose of this day is to put an end to the use of minors in armed conflict. It is additionally referred to as Red Hand Day. The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child officially adopted the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the Involvement of Children in Armed Conflict in Geneva in 2002.
Numerous human rights and children’s organizations observe this day to draw attention to the problem of child soldiers on a global scale. The crimson hand is the emblem utilized for the campaign. We can contribute to this humanitarian effort by speaking out against these heinous acts.
International Day Against the Use of Child Soldiers History
Combat has always been an intrinsic component of human history. These conflicts significantly influenced the contemporary globe. However, massive human casualties are invariably the consequence of these bloody conflicts. A contemporary child would become ill upon encountering an authentic battlefield from antiquity. However, minors were once employed in armies. In war-torn regions, children have little to look forward to. In the absence of employment or familial responsibilities, they are susceptible to being recruited. They require significantly less investment than adult personnel. They are also manageable and considered expendable by the majority of armies.
In contemporary society, the circumstances surrounding children are markedly improved in comparison to those of the past. Presently, international legislation prohibits armed forces from enlisting minors. However, this does not deter every army in existence. Certain Asian and African national armies continue to employ minors as personnel.
As a supplementary measure to the Convention, the United Nations General Assembly approved the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child regarding the Involvement of Children in Armed Conflict in February 2002. The Convention on the Rights of the Child incorporated it. Numerous human rights and children’s organizations celebrated the protocol by observing the inaugural International Day Against the Use of Child Soldiers in support of the action. These nonprofit organizations observed the day using the symbol of the crimson hand; thus, the popular name Crimson Hand Day was coined.
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FAQs regarding International Day Against the Use of Child Soldiers
Who was the youngest juvenile soldier at the time?
Sidney Lewis is widely acknowledged as the youngest documented combatant in the annals of modern warfare. At the age of twelve, he participated in the Battle of the Somme. Although younger combatants might exist, their military personnel do not disclose their identities.
Is the existence of child combatants still present?
Child combatants continue to function and persist on a global scale. For this purpose, over 7,000 minors are enlisted from various countries across the globe.
Why do nations employ juvenile soldiers?
It is simple to control children into enlisting in the armed forces. The majority of their recruits originate from war-ravaged regions where children are rarely supervised and occupy themselves with menial tasks.
International Day Against the Use of Child Soldiers 2024 (US) Activities
Raise awareness regarding the day
The general populace is not informed that minors are conscripted into the military due to poverty or coercion. Raise awareness regarding the day among your community members and social circle.
Provide data regarding the utilization of juvenile soldiers.
Compile an exhaustive list of countries along with the number of juvenile soldiers within their populations. Share with your peers and publish this list on social media.
Generate funds for charitable organizations.
Multiple NGOs are dedicated to promoting the well-being of minors across the globe. Utilize this day to generate as much money as possible for them.
Five Child Soldier Facts You Should Be Aware Of
Globally, child combatants work.
Illicit service by thousands of juvenile soldiers in armed conflicts worldwide.
The age at which child combatants are born
According to some accounts, certain soldiers are minors younger than ten years old.
Infant African troops
According to the United Nations, approximately 8,500 minors are employed as soldiers in Africa.
Death toll
Combat-related fatalities among minors exceed 2,670 across the globe.
Female military
Girl child combatants comprise 10% to 30% of the total, and they are particularly susceptible to sexual violence.
INTERNATIONAL DAY AGAINST THE USE OF CHILD SOLDIERS DATES
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | February 12 | Monday |
| 2025 | February 12 | Wednesday |
| 2026 | February 12 | Thursday |
| 2027 | February 12 | Friday |
| 2028 | February 12 | Saturday |
