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Stand up for the rights of children and join us in observing International Day Against the Use of Child Soldiers. Together, we can make a difference!
Mark your calendars for February 12, because it's time to take a stand against the use of child soldiers on International Day Against the Use of Child Soldiers. This day was established by the United Nations in 2002 to raise awareness about the issue and advocate for the protection of children in armed conflicts. Despite being a serious topic, there have been significant efforts made over the years to stop this cruel practice and give these children a chance at a better future. So let's join forces and shine a light on this important cause!
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1989</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>UN Child Rights Convention</div><div class='timeline-text'>The United Nations adopts the Convention on the Rights of the Child, which highlights the importance of protecting children in all situations, including armed conflicts.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1997</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>International Criminal Court Established</div><div class='timeline-text'>The International Criminal Court (ICC) is established, providing a global jurisdiction for war crimes, including the recruitment and use of child soldiers.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2000</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>UN Protocol on Child Soldiers</div><div class='timeline-text'>The United Nations adopts the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the involvement of children in armed conflict, setting 18 as the minimum age for direct participation in hostilities.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2002</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First Observation of the Day</div><div class='timeline-text'>The United Nations observes the first International Day Against the Use of Child Soldiers to raise awareness about this pressing issue.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2007</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Paris Principles Endorsement</div><div class='timeline-text'>59 countries endorse the Paris Principles, guiding principles that aim to protect children from recruitment and use in conflict.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2012</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>UN Resolution on Child Soldiers</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Security Council adopts resolution 2068, threatening to take action against persistent perpetrators of violations against children in armed conflict.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Educate yourself and others</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Take the time to learn about the issue of child soldiers and spread awareness to those around you. Use social media, participate in events, and have conversations with friends and family to educate others about this important cause.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Volunteer at organizations supporting child soldiers</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Find local or international organizations that work towards ending the use of child soldiers and offer your time and skills to support their cause. This could include volunteering at events, helping with fundraising, or even traveling to affected areas to provide aid.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Write to government officials</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Use your voice to advocate for change by writing letters or emails to government officials urging them to take action against the use of child soldiers. You can also sign petitions and join campaigns to put pressure on leaders to address this issue.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Organize a fundraising event</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Host a fundraiser to raise money for organizations that support child soldiers, such as rehabilitation and reintegration programs. This could be a concert, charity run, or any other creative event that can bring people together for a good cause.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Spread positivity and hope</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>While the issue of child soldiers may seem overwhelming and daunting, it's important to spread positivity and hope. Share stories of success and progress in ending the use of child soldiers and encourage others to continue supporting this cause.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Children deserve the right to a peaceful childhood</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Child soldiers are often forced into violent conflict at a young age, robbing them of their innocence and right to a normal childhood. The International Day Against the Use of Child Soldiers brings attention to this issue and advocates for the protection and wellbeing of these vulnerable children.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Child soldiers are victims, not perpetrators</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>It's important to remember that child soldiers are victims of war and conflict, not willing participants. Many are abducted or recruited by violent armed groups without fully understanding the consequences. On this day, we recognize the need for accountability and justice for these children.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It promotes awareness and prevention</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>By raising awareness about the use of child soldiers, we can work towards preventing it from happening in the future. This day also encourages governments to take action and implement policies that protect children from being recruited into armed forces or groups. Together, we can help create a safer world for all children.</p></div></div>
International Day Against the Use of Child Soldiers is celebrated on February 12 every year. In 2024, it will fall on a Monday.
2023
Feb 12
Sunday
2024
Feb 12
Monday
2025
Feb 12
Wednesday
2026
Feb 12
Thursday
2027
Feb 12
Friday
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