What are the International Protocols on Child Soldiers?

The International Protocols on Child Soldiers are rules and policies that regulate how countries should treat children affected by armed conflict. These protocols are also known as the Optional Protocols to the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC). The CRC is an international agreement that outlines the rights of children across the world, including their protection from armed conflict and exploitation. In 2000, the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Optional Protocols to the CRC which place a ban on the recruitment and use of children under the age of 18 in any armed conflicts. The protocols state that governments should take necessary measures to ensure that no one under the age of 18 can participate in an armed conflict, or that any child recruited by a government or armed group must be discharged from service immediately. The protocols also set out guidelines related to the protection of children in armed conflict, including providing protection and assistance to victims, and ensuring their access to education. Recently, California enacted legislation that echoes the CRC, making it illegal to recruit or deploy persons under the age of 18 in any armed conflict. The law criminalizes those who attempt to recruit or deploy children under 18, and those who bring children under 18 out of the United States for purposes of military training. This is a significant step forward in the protection of child soldiers, and other vulnerable groups around the world.

Related FAQs

How does international law affect domestic legal systems?
What is the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families (CMW)?
What are the international rights and obligations of states?
What is the difference between diplomatic immunity and extraterritoriality?
What is the difference between public and private international law?
How does International Law regulate international trade?
What is the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families (CMW)?
What is the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)?
What is the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance (CPED)?
What is the International Law of Treaties?

What are the International Protocols on Child Soldiers?

Related FAQs

Related Blog Posts