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Stand against the use of child soldiers and join in on Red Hand Day to raise awareness and take action for a better future.
On February 12, we honor and remember the millions of children around the world who have been forced to become child soldiers on Red Hand Day. This day was first established in 2002 by the Coalition to Stop the Use of Child Soldiers, as a way to raise awareness and advocate for an end to this practice. It's a powerful reminder that even in today's modern world, there are still many issues that need our attention and action. So let's join together in spreading awareness and standing up against the use of child soldiers – because every child deserves their childhood.
<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 Convention on Child Rights</div><div class='timeline-text'>The United Nations adopts the Convention on the Rights of the Child. Article 38 of the Convention condemns the use of children in armed conflicts.</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'>Optional Protocol adopted</div><div class='timeline-text'>The UN General Assembly adopts the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the Involvement of Children in Armed Conflict.</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'>Protocol Enters into Force</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Optional Protocol comes into force on Feb 12, providing a stronger and legally binding commitment to ban the recruitment of children into conflict.</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 Red Hand Day</div><div class='timeline-text'>First observed Red Hand Day to draw global attention to end the use of child soldiers in conflicts around the world.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2009</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Red Hand Day Petition</div><div class='timeline-text'>A global petition on Red Hand Day amasses 250,000 red handprints to deliver to the UN, symbolising a demand for action against the use of child soldiers.</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'>Spread awareness on social media</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Use your social media platforms to share information about Red Hand Day and the importance of ending the use of child soldiers. You can use hashtags such as #RedHandDay and #EndChildSoldiers to reach a wider audience.</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'>Organize a fundraiser</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Get your community involved by organizing a fundraiser for organizations that work to end the use of child soldiers. This can be a bake sale, charity concert, or any other creative idea you come up with.</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'>Take action by writing letters or emails to your local representatives and government officials, urging them to take action against the use of child soldiers and support policies that protect children in conflict zones.</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'>Host a film screening</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Educate others about the issue of child soldiers by hosting a screening of a documentary or film that focuses on the topic. This can spark important discussions and raise awareness among your friends and family.</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'>Organize a peaceful protest</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Gather a group of people and organize a peaceful protest to bring attention to the use of child soldiers. This can be done in front of government buildings or other public areas to make a statement and demand action.</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'>It raises awareness of child soldiers</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Red Hand Day is an important reminder that there are still many children around the world who are recruited and used as soldiers. It sheds light on a crucial issue that needs to be addressed - and encourages us all to take action.</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'>It advocates for the protection of children in conflicts</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Not only does Red Hand Day bring attention to the use of child soldiers, it also calls for stronger efforts to protect these young individuals in conflict zones. This includes working towards their release and rehabilitation, as well as preventing them from being recruited in the first place.</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 empowers youth to make a difference</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>By recognizing Red Hand Day and participating in related activities, young people can play a powerful role in advocating for the rights and protection of others their age. It's a chance to show solidarity with child soldiers and contribute to meaningful change in the world.</p></div></div>
Red Hand Day is celebrated on February 12 every year. In 2024 Red Hand Day will occur 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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