UN ban on child soldiers to be effective from February 2002
[November 15, 2001 - 10.20 GMT]

An international treaty banning the use of child soldiers will come into force on February 12, 2002, the United Nations Organisation announced Tuesday.

The May 25, 2000 protocol prohibits the participation of children under the age of 18 in armed conflict and their forced recruitment or conscription.

New Zealand deposited the tenth instrument of ratification of the Protocol November 12. Having reached the required number of ratifications or accessions, the Optional Protocol will enter into force on February 12, 2002 – three months after this tenth ratification. “Human Rights Watch” welcomed New Zealand’s move as a major advancement in the effort to end the use of children as soldiers. Eighty-seven countries have so far signed the protocol. 

Currently more than 300,000 child soldiers are fighting armed conflicts in 40 countries.
 

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Last Updated Date: November 15, 2001  -  10.20 GMT.