(Geneva Call) – On 5 June 2014, in Ramalan, in the Kurdish region of Syria, the People’s Protection Units (YPG), the Women’s Protection Units (YPJ), and the « Democratic Self-Administration in Rojava » signed Geneva Call’s Deed of Commitment banning AP mines and the Deed of Commitment prohibiting sexual violence in armed conflict and against gender discrimination. “By signing these Deeds of Commitment, they show their willingness to abide by the highest international standards and pledge to take further action to protect civilians from the threat of landmines and sexual violence” said Pascal Bongard, Geneva Call’s Head of Operations, during the ceremony. Geneva Call’s delegation also raised the issue of child recruitment and use in hostilities. “Despite earlier measures to prohibit the recruitment of children under 18, we admit that the problem persists, we are aware of international concern about this issue, and we are making every effort to find a permanent solution, in collaboration with all stakeholders, and particularly with Geneva Call,” YPG Deputy General Commander Redur Xelil said.
