February 12 is Red Hand
February 12 is Red Hand Day as part of an international campaign against the use of children and young people in armed conflicts. The date seeks to raise awareness in society about this serious violation of human rights and mobilize efforts to ensure that all children have access to education, safety and a future free from violence.
Origin
It was established to mark the entry into force, on February 12, 2002, of the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child, which prohibits the forced recruitment of children under 18 years of age by armed forces and paramilitary groups. Since then, the date has become a symbol of resistance to this practice, which is still present in many parts of the world.
The Problem of Child Recruitment
Currently, thousands of children are forced to act as soldiers, spies, messengers, cooks or even human shields in conflict zones. In addition to the physical impact, these children suffer deep psychological trauma and have their basic rights violated.
According to the UN, the use of child soldiers occurs in at least 14 countries, making awareness and combating this practice a global priority.
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