Red Hand Day on February 12th: Worldwide day of action against the use of children as a soldier
Berlin, 09.02.24 - <em>On February 12, 2002, the additional protocol for children's rights convention into children in armed conflicts came into force, which prohibits the use of under 18 year olds in armed conflicts. Every year at the "Red Hand Day", the German Alliance for Children's soldiers, together with numerous organizations around the world, call up for actions with the symbol of red hand. In the Bundestag, too, more than 400 members of the Bundestag, under the patronage of the Federal Minister of Family Affairs Lisa Paus, supported the demands of the Red Hand Day with their red handprint. So far, more than 400,000 people in over 50 countries have protested as a soldier with their handprint against the abuse of children.</em>
Around 250,000 children are used in armed conflicts as soldiers. "In many countries, both non-state rebel groups and regular armies recruit children and adolescents," explains Frank Mischo, Kinderothilfe expert and spokesman for the alliance. »We are calling for the federal government to campaign against the recruitment of children and adolescents, to promote reintegration programs and psychosocial support projects and to grant minors who flee, protection and asylum from forced recruitment. Otherwise, children only experience a world full of war and violence and learn that there is no future for them. "
"Even in forgotten armed conflicts such as Myanmar, children and adolescents have to be particularly protected," says Ralf Willinger, speaker for children's rights at Terre des Hommes. Here the illegal military junta is brutal war against its own population, especially in the fields of ethnic minorities such as the Karen state. "The military junta bombard and light up, fleeing people Attacked. Health care and trauma help.
Members of the German Alliance for Children's Soldiers :
Action White Peace Band, German Peace Society DFG-VK, Kinderothilfe, German NK of the Lutheran World Federation, Missio, Pax Christi, Terre des Hommes, World Vision.
<em>For questions and interviews:</em>
- Ralf Willinger, Tel 0541.7101-108, Mail: R.Willinger@ tdh.de
www.kindersoldaten.info #RedhandDay