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.
The Red Hands made by Presbyterians all over the country are delivered to the permanent missions at the United Nations asking them to encourage their governments to sign and ratify the protocol. Though this treaty does not guarantee absence of children in the military forces, it provides as a call to the world for action to end the injustice against the child soldiers and establishes a mechanism by which those who exploit children may be prosecuted. And we can see that the international consensus is growing. Through the Red Hands Campaign, we are making a difference in the children’s lives together.
Let us continue to speak out and act for the children. Every Red Hand counts!
The photo shows Red Hands made by Morningside Presbyterian Church Children’s Center in Fullerton, California.