Nowadays, eight government security forces recruit and use children. In the past three years, six of those countries have signed their respective action plans with the United Nations: Afghanistan and Chad in 2011, followed by South Sudan, Myanmar, Somalia and the Democratic Republic of Congo the following year. Both Yemen and Sudan have expressed their commitment to free children from armies, as well as continue the dialogue with the United Nations.
Yesterday, the #CHILDRENnotsoldiers initiative was launched, with which UNICEF and the UN representation for children in armed conflict, intend to take an important step: "end before 2016 with the recruitment and use of children by armies" .
Around the world, thousands of children are recruited by armies or armed opposition groups to serve as combatants, cooks, porters, messengers or any other task. Girls, and sometimes boys, are also recruited for sexual purposes
There is consensus among states that no child should be recruited or used in conflicts by armed groups. So the time has come for the world to come together and turn the page, once and for all, on the recruitment and use of children in warlike environments.
The United Nations Security Council supports the governments involved in affirming their commitment, and provides the necessary help to transform the commitment into reality.
Over the next two years, the Office of the Special Representative, UNICEF, United Nations and partner NGOs will redouble their support for the efforts of the eight governments to ensure that children reintegrate into civilian life and that action plans are put in place to end and prevent recruitment.
Although the campaign focuses on the armies listed in the Secretary-General's report, the United Nations will continue to work to address the serious violations committed by armed groups.
When children are used for armed conflict
The most fundamental rights of children are violated when they are forced to be part of the hostilities: their right to life, health, education, protection against physical or mental violence.
The 'Children, not soldiers' campaign aims to focus on this issue and give it the attention it deserves. When we help a child who has been a soldier to overcome such a terrible experience and prepare for a new future, we do more than repair a broken life. We begin to close the wounds of a nation torn by conflict.
So, we are facing hopeful news: the Action Plan signed between the UN and the States involved, includes a series of penalizing measures, but also of reinsertion, so that minors who have participated in armed conflicts can rebuild their lives.
Now, let's not forget that in addition to government forces that use children, they can also participate in armed conflicts if they are recruited by groups outside the governments, as is the case in Colombia.
