(Huffington Post) – On February 12, the global community marks the International Day against the Use of Child Soldiers, also known as Red Hands Day. Currently, at least 56 groups in 15 conflicts recruit and use child soldiers, and some of these groups increasingly employ tactics of extreme violence in their recruitment strategies, as well as their methods and means of warfare. This February, Watchlist on Children and Armed Conflict, a network of leading human rights and humanitarian organizations working together to protect the security and rights of children in situations of conflict, also celebrates its 15th anniversary. Formed in 2001 as a result of a growing need for a unified civil society voice and pressure on the United Nations to implement and strengthen its children and armed conflict agenda, over the last 15 years, Watchlist witnessed and contributed to formidable and commendable advancements towards the protection of children in conflict at the global level and in the field. Current global affairs, however, starkly illustrate that in the midst of numerous emergencies and increasing threats, much more must be done to protect the security and rights of children in conflict, and ensure they receive the necessary support for a more peaceful and promising future.

 

Link