People’s Defense Units circular addressing recruitment and use of children

In 2013, the into the People’s Defense Units (YPG) issued a command order that condemned and prohibited the recruitment of children into the YPG. Nevertheless, recruitment of children by the YPG and the Women’s Protection Units/Democratic Self-Administration in Rojava (YPJ) continued. Subsequently, in 2015, a circular was issued stating that the YPG/YPJ “must not receive or recruit those under the legal age (less than 18 years old).” The circular also asserts, “Who does not comply with this circular exposes himself to accountability and legal investigation, and the maximum punishment measures will be taken against him.”