Posts Tagged: child soldiers

For a world where children are children

‘Let the little children come to me, and do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of heaven belongs.’ – Matthew 19:14 February 12, 2015 marks the thirteenth anniversary of the entry into force of the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the Involvement… Read more »

Red Hands continue to make a difference

by Richard Aylor Since April, 3 member states and 1 non-member state have ratified the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the involvement of children in armed conflict. Ethiopia ratified on May 14, Guinea-Bissau ratified on September 24, and the Dominican Republic ratified on October 14.  The State of… Read more »

Hudson River Presbytery says “children should carry toys!”

At the Hudson River Presbytery’s “Changing the Conversation Conference“, participants traced our hands to raise awareness and send the message that it’s not okay to use children under the age of 18 for soldiers. In doing so, the participants joined other Presbyterians who support the Red Hand Campaign that calls for universal ratification and enforcement… Read more »

Red Hands continue to make a difference: two more member states ratify

On January 15, 2014, St. Lucia ratified the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the involvement of children in armed conflict. Estonia ratified on February 12, 2014 It is a great start to 2014, as we move forward in raising awareness internationally to protect children from being exploited as… Read more »

Human Trafficking Awareness Day

January is human trafficking awareness month and January 11 is human trafficking awareness day. The year 2014 marks the 151th anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation. President Abraham Lincoln, upon signing the Emancipation Proclamation said, “I never, in my life, felt more certain that I was doing right than I do in signing this paper.” Because of the… Read more »

The Growing Voice of the Red Hands

by Esther Lee It is our joy to announce that this year, Cameroon (4 Feb 2013) and Zimbabwe (22 May 2013) ratified or acceded to the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the involvement of children in armed conflict. The momentum continues to build. Thanks to all who participated…. Read more »

Celebrate the 2013 International Day of Peace

The United Nations has set September 21 as the International Day of Peace. This day provides an opportunity for  individuals, organizations and nations to create practical acts of peace on  a shared date. It was established by a United Nations resolution in 1981 to coincide with the opening of the General Assembly. The focus for… Read more »

Remarks by Ambassador Jeffrey DeLaurentis, U.S. Alternate Representative for Special Political Affairs at the United Nations, at a Security Council Open Debate on Children and Armed Conflict, June 17, 2013

This was originally posted by the U.S. State Department. Thank you, Mr. President, for hosting today’s debate on Children and Armed Conflict (CAAC). And thank you, Under-Secretary General Ladsous, UNICEF Deputy Executive Director Brandt and Save the Children Associate Vice President Ramm for your remarks. We are also grateful to Ambassador Lucas for her leadership… Read more »

Children are children, not soldiers – 11 years on

‘Let the little children come to me, and do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of heaven belongs.’ – Matthew 19:14 February 12, 2013 marks the eleventh anniversary of the entry into force of the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the… Read more »

Actions for the International Day for the Abolition of Slavery

  UN Resources: Slavery Abolition Day Blue Heart Campaign against Human Trafficking Global Initiative to Fight Human Trafficking PC(USA) Resources: PC(USA) Human Trafficking Roundtable A Toolkit for Action Prayer: Prayer (Jer. 31:15-17 adapted) A voice is heard in Ramah,      lamentation and bitter weeping. Rachel is weeping for her children;      she refuses to be… Read more »