#stopchildsoldiers

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Dr Denis Mukwege a Gyn and surgeon who has been a savior for girls and women gang raped by rebel soldiers in The Congo #humanrights #stoprapeasweaponofwar #womensrightsarehumanrights #drdenismukwege #congo #stopchildsoldiers

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#stopchildsoldiers #childsoldiers #warandchildren #raiseawareness #humantrafficking #forcedintochildhoodsoldiers #toysnotguns

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Red Hand Day

"Red Hand Day, February 12 each year, is an annual commemoration day on which pleas are made to political leaders and events are staged around the world to draw attention to the fates of child soldiers, children who are forced to serve as soldiers in wars and armed conflicts. The aim of Red Hand Day is to call for action against this practice, and support for children who are affected by it. Red Hand Day was initiated in 2002 when the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the Involvement of Children in Armed Conflict entered into force on February 12, 2002." - excerpt taken from Wikipedia (2014)

Children are still being used in armed conflicts around the world today. Although the numbers may be decreasing we cannot turn our attention away from this issue. February 12 marks a day to remember and spread awareness. Let's not make this just one day a year. Every day we must continue to fight for the protection of children and their rights. Furthermore, this needs to continue beyond the end of conflict with assistance in post-conflict development, reintegration and rehabilitation efforts and community reconciliation. Please join me and get involved in spreading awareness, supporting initiatives and organization working with children and affected communities and taking time to help others. Above all, remain positive and know that your contribution (no matter how small or insignificant you may think it is) does make a difference. 

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General Romeo Dallaire was meeting with two child soldiers, Serge and Ajefi (age 16). Both had just escaped their armed rebel groups. Dallaire told them that during the Rwandan Genocide, "I faced one kid, who had an AK-47 stuffed nearly up my nose. And in his huge eyes, there was anger and horror and fear, and excitement."