#VancouverPrinciples

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Canada Commits to Ending Child Soldier Use

A Global Call for Action

In a solemn reminder of the grim realities faced by thousands of children embroiled in conflicts worldwide, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau today issued a poignant statement on the International Day Against the Use of Child Soldiers, also known as Red Hand Day. "Children have no place in war," Trudeau stated, underlining a universal truth and calling for global action against the recruitment and use of child soldiers.   Canada's Staunch Commitment Canada has long been at the forefront of the fight to protect children from the atrocities of armed conflict. In 2017, the country established the Vancouver Principles, a set of commitments that have garnered the endorsement of 107 countries. These principles not only aim to stop the recruitment and use of child soldiers but also to ensure their recovery and reintegration into society.   On the Ground: Making a Difference The Canadian government's efforts extend beyond declarations, with significant funding allocated to international projects that focus on demobilizing child soldiers and preventing their future recruitment. From Colombia to the heart of Africa, Canada's initiatives are making tangible differences in the lives of former child soldiers and the communities that welcome them back.   The Role of the Dallaire Centre At home, the Dallaire Centre of Excellence for Peace and Security works tirelessly to equip the Canadian Armed Forces with the knowledge and tools needed to prevent the recruitment and use of child soldiers globally. Moreover, this commitment underscores Canada's holistic approach to addressing this issue, from policy to practice.  

A Unified Front Against Child Soldier Recruitment

As the world marks the International Day Against the Use of Child Soldiers, Canada delivers a clear message: the international community must unite to ensure children are shielded from the horrors of war. Furthermore, through collaboration with United Nations member states and other partners, Canada dedicates itself to creating a world where every child can grow, learn, and dream in peace.   Sources: THX News & The Canadian Government. Read the full article

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Monthly Roundup April 2023

Report of the Annual Policy Workshop on Children and Armed Conflict 2023 Read the full report by clicking on the title above or HERE

BIG ANNOUNCEMENT!

Check out my cookbook fundraising campaign, in support of the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada, Before the Bridge Senior K9 Rescue, and Tiny Tim on Wheels Foundation. Accepting recipe submissions until May 31st.

[innocencelostfoundation]

We are so honored that Joyce Murray, Member of Parliament for Vancouver Quadra, opened the evening at our Trading a Gun for a Guitar Concert. She welcomed the crowd, introduced the foundation and spoke about child soldiers and the importance of the Vancouver Principles. Canada is moving towards being a leader in preventing the use of child soldiers around the world. Thank you!! @joycemurraymp #childsoldiers #Vancouver #VancouverPrinciples

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Monthly Roundup - June 2022

Dallaire Institute Strategic Plan 2022-2025

Children, Peace and Security: A Policy Checklist on Building the Agenda Together

"A policy checklist on what governments and leaders need to understand about a Children, Peace and Security (CPS) agenda and how it relates to the broader global peace and security agenda."

Visiting Scholar Presents Work on Child Soldiers

Dr. Christelle Molima Bameka presented her research related to the effects of colonialism on violent conflict in East Africa. Her presentation touched on a number of theoretical and policy issues, and was narrated through her expertise on child soldiers and war-afflicted youth. She deployed the case-studies of three youths in order to leverage a broader and more complete vision of justice that included conversations about land ownership, histories of colonialism, and how to speak about victims of the violence of child soldiers.

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Monthly Roundup - January 2022

It is that time of year again, when you are being asked to #RaiseYourRed! Red Hand Day is Saturday, February 12, 2022. This day is dedicated to raising awareness about the recruitment and use of children in war and calling for an end to this practice globally.

The demands:

Straight 18 No child under the age of 18 may be used or trained in armies, armed groups or other military units

Punishment of those responsible

Care, protection and political asylum for former child soldiers

Expand financial support for aid programs for child soldiers

Stop of arms exports

Promotion of peace education

For the next 5 days, follow along as The Dallaire Institute for Children, Peace and Security and Watchlist on Children and Armed Conflict tell us more about Red Hand Day, the United Nations’ Children and Armed Conflict mandate, and their work to put #ChildrensRightsUpfront

25 Years for Children: Understanding the Past to Inspire the Future

"The Study on the evolution of the Children and Armed Conflict mandate 1996-2021, the first comprehensive study to analyze in a holistic manner the challenges, opportunities, and successes in delivering the United Nations CAAC mandate since its creation in 1996, will be launched ... to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the mandate."

Real the full report HERE

Youth for Animals

~ against animal cruelty ~ for animal protection

Support their latest campaign #FreeShankarDelhiZoo HERE

and check out Art for Shankar

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International Day Against the Use of Child Soldiers (Red Hand Day)

February 12th

#raiseyourred ✋

We are raising our red hands high to demand an end to the recruitment and use of child soldiers. Children are our future leaders and changemakers, and it is time that we change the dialogue so that children around the world may lead the way to peace.  

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Monthly Roundup - October 2019

Ododo Wa: Stories of Girls in War

I had the honour of attending the exhibit launch and panel discussion of Ododo Wa: Stories of Girls in War at the Canadian Museum for Human Rights. Ododo Wa traces the journey of two girls from Uganda – Evelyn Amony and Grace Acan – who were abducted and held captive for years by a rebel group, the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA). After their ordeal, Evelyn and Grace discovered the power of using their voices to find healing and seek justice for women who survived captivity with the LRA.

Learn more about the exhibit HERE “Ododo wa” translates as “our stories” in Luo languages.

Drawing by survivor depicting the organization of an LRA camp, 2010–2011. Photo: Courtesy of Erin Baines

Hear more about Evelyn and Grace’s stories: 

Voices of women and girls in war: Speaking out on sexual violence in conflict By Isabelle Masson 

Abducted, enslaved, outspoken: Survivors of Ugandan rebel group share their stories at human rights museum Winnipeg Free Press

Lord's Resistance Army escapees tell their story in Winnipeg CBC News (17 minutes)

Pictured: Evelyn (left) and Grace (right) at the exhibit launch at CMHR

Ongwen trial: Don’t lose hope, ICC tells LRA victims

“The International Criminal Court (ICC) has asked the people of northern Uganda not to lose hope in the ongoing trial of Dominic Ongwen saying they have “credible evidence” to pin the suspect.”

Statement by Ms. Virginia Gamba to the Third Committee of the General Assembly

Excerpts from speech

“I would like to highlight the essential role played by child protection advisers in peacekeeping and special political missions and within United Nations agencies, funds and programmes, particularly my partners at UNICEF.”

“I also launched the Global Coalition for the Reintegration of Child Soldiers to generate new ideas for ensuring sustainable support to child reintegration programmes. The Coalition, co-led by myself and UNICEF, is composed of child protection experts from the United Nations, academia and civil society organizations, as well as the World Bank and Member States.”

“I count on you to increase your support to reintegration efforts and to ensure continued support to my Office and our partners for us to engage in a holistic approach to end and prevent violations.”

WATCHLIST WELCOMES THE UN LAUNCH OF THE VANCOUVER PRINCIPLES IMPLEMENTATION GUIDANCE

“On August 1, 2019, Watchlist welcomed the UN launch of the Implementation Guidance for the Vancouver Principles (IGVP) on Peacekeeping and the Prevention of the Recruitment and Use of Child Soldiers.”

Inclusion of Child Protection Issues in Peace Negotiation Discussed in Brussels

“Child protection plays a crucial role in peacebuilding and is essential to ensure sustainable peace. This consultation is an opportunity to bring together the highest levels of expertise in the fields of mediation and child protection to share lessons learned and good practices and strengthen the dialogue and exchange between these two worlds,” said SRSG Virginia Gamba.

Using art to create change in traumatized communities

“For years, art has been used to tell stories and communicate messages. From graffiti, portraiture to murals, art has played a part in transforming communities. In Bidi Bidi refugee settlement in West Nile, communities are being helped to overcome trauma, create dreams, and encourage peace and togetherness among refugees through art, specifically murals.”

[WATCH] Liberia's child soldiers: 'I know I killed people' 

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Monthly Roundup - July 2019

August 2nd, 2019 - the UN Security Council held its Open Debate on Children and Armed Conflict (CAC) under Poland’s presidency. 

Open Debate on Children and Armed Conflict – Statement by Ms. Virginia Gamba

“2019 marks 20 years since the Security Council first passed a resolution on children and armed conflict and the 30th anniversary of the entry into force of the Convention on the Rights of the Child.”

“Unfortunately, for all our efforts to date, we are not yet at a point where we can be confident that the situation is improving year upon year. The report before you speaks for itself. Although we have less violations across four categories, we have an increase in killing and maiming and similar levels of sexual violence. In last year’s report two figures stand at very high levels: one for killing and maiming (over 12,000 children) and one for children who benefitted from reintegration assistance (over 13,500).”

“This is why reintegration and the consideration of real reintegration needs of boys and girls globally is so urgent."

United Nations Security Council Open Debate on Children and Armed Conflict - Statement delivered by H.E. Mr. Richard Arbeiter, Ambassador and Deputy Permanent Representative of Canada to the United Nations

“The Group welcomes the recent release of over 13,600 children from armed forces and armed groups and the work of the Global Coalition for Reintegration of Child Soldiers. We stress the importance of long-term, comprehensive, and community-based rehabilitation and reintegration efforts to provide assistance to children and prevent re-recruitment, including in areas formerly controlled by Daesh. Children formerly associated with such groups should be treated as victims first, consistent with resolution 2427.”

“A major focus of Canada’s efforts has been the development of the Vancouver Principles on Peacekeeping and the Prevention of the Recruitment and Use of Child Soldiers. The Vancouver Principles are a set of 17 political commitments aimed at preventing and addressing the recruitment and use of children by armed forces and armed groups in UN peacekeeping operations.”

“Canada is losing no time putting this guidance into action. In June, Canada’s Minister of National Defence announced the establishment of the Roméo Dallaire Centre of Excellence for Peace and Security, within the Canadian Defence Academy led by Rear Admiral Cassivi, seated behind me. The Centre of Excellence’s initial focus will be to support our forces’ implementation of the Vancouver Principles. Canada will also be providing the Roméo Dallaire Child Soldiers Initiative with a contribution of over $1 million over five years to conduct research and identify lessons learned and best practices regarding the prevention of the recruitment and use of child soldiers.”

Justice for Children, Justice for All: The Challenge to Achieve SDG 16+

[REPORT]

October 14 - 15, 2019

2019 ANNUAL MEETING FOR CHILD PROTECTION IN HUMANITARIAN ACTION AND LAUNCH OF THE SECOND EDITION OF THE CHILD PROTECTION MINIMUM STANDARDS

“The Annual Meeting is an opportunity for Child Protection actors get to come together and exchange knowledge and experience, while networking with other agencies, academics, policy makers and donors. The annual meeting represents a forum where important themes can be discussed together and ways forward can be framed.”

South Sudan opposition groups release 32 child soldiers

“Following the release of at least 32 children, forced to work as soldiers and undertake other roles by South Sudan armed opposition groups, the UN children’s fund, Unicef, has enrolled the boys, aged 13 to 17, in a three-year-long reintegration programme. Unicef is providing the boys, who were released on Tuesday, with food, water, clothes and hygiene items and will also provide formal or vocational education and psychological support to the teenagers to help them overcome their traumatic experiences.”

In photos: life after war for Uganda’s former child soldiers

“Photographer Simon Murphy travelled to Uganda with the Scottish Catholic International Aid Fund (SCIAF) to document how the lives of former child soldiers are changing. Help includes providing counselling and teaching young people effective techniques for growing food, so they can provide for themselves and their families. SCIAF also supports similar programmes for refugees from South Sudan, vulnerable young people and those affected by HIV and AIDS.”

Nigerian Boko Haram militants are being given a chance to re-integrate into society. 

[VIDEO] “A de-radicalisation programme in Nigeria is helping Boko Haram militants reintegrate with society. One hundred and fifty ex-fighters are being taught vocational skills as part of the rehabilitation programme.”

At Detention Camps and Shelters, Art Helps Migrant Youths Find Their Voices

The exhibition “Uncaged Art” displays dioramas created by unaccompanied migrant children held at Tornillo, a detention center.

Elephant Crisis Fund: 2019 Mid-Year Report

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Monthly Roundup - June 2019

Child Soldiers Initiative

[June 5th] The Child Soldiers Initiative officially took over Child Soldiers International programs as they closed their doors on June 7th. 

Read the joint press release HERE

And the final words from Child Soliders International HERE

Minister of National Defence Harjit Sajjan announced the establishment of the Dallaire Centre of Excellence for Peace and Security in partnership with the Roméo Dallaire Child Soldiers Initiative and the Government of Canada.

General Dallaire stated at the announcement, "The Centre of Excellence will bring together subject matter expertise, research, lessons learned, and the political will to do something truly meaningful to address one of the greatest tragedies of our time."

“The Dallaire Centre of Excellence will be critical for the implementation of the Vancouver Principles moving forward, working to change peacekeeping to ensure increased protection of both children and soldiers.”

Read the news release HERE

Day of the African Child

[June 16th] The theme of the Day of the African Child "Humanitarian Action in Africa: Children's Rights First" recognizes fundamentally that the African child suffers the most serious consequences of armed conflicts, tensions, conflicts and other disasters and humanitarian crises.

Read the concept note HERE 

World Refugee Day

[June 20th] Every person has the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge, having fled violence, persecution, war or disaster at home. Around the world, communities, schools and people from all walks of life are taking big and small steps in solidarity. This World Refugee Day UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency challenges everyone to #StepWithRefugees 

Learn more HERE

Caught in Conflict

“Civilians caught in conflicts need to be protected in ways that are not usually necessary in functioning societies. This exhibit features stories from Bangladesh, DRC, Libya and Yemen.”

How Uganda’s former child soldiers try to heal from the scars of war

“A community in Lamunu, Uganda, is struggling to return to normal after decades of violent conflict that displaced nearly 2 million people. The Lord’s Resistance Army, led by Joseph Kony, abducted 35,000 children and deployed them as soldiers in an attempt to overthrow the government. Fred de Sam Lazaro explores how former child soldiers try to heal from the scars of war and achieve a better life.”

Video and Full Transcript available.

Saudi team helps child soldiers become ‘peace-builders’

“KSRelief is taking part in sessions with experts from the International Coalition for the Rehabilitation of Child Soldiers. The meetings highlight the role of reintegration programs in breaking the cycle of violence, reducing the risk of re-recruitment, and sharing experiences with people who have been involved in reintegration programs. Discussions also focus on helping Yemen’s child soldiers become peace-builders and supporting positive changes in their communities.”

NEPAL: FROM CHILD SOLDIER TO HUMAN RIGHTS DEFENDER

“With [the] organization Peace Envisioners he is fighting to ensure that former Nepalese child soldiers have access to redress. With the support of TRIAL International, he has submitted a report to the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights in Geneva to draw the UN body’s attention to the situation of these particularly vulnerable former combatants.”

A Second Revolution: Thirty years of child rights, and the unfinished agenda

War Child: Rethink Child Soldiers Report

United Nations launch for global Justice for Children initiative

“The Justice for Children global initiative is launching a Call to Action to place children at the heart of justice in every nation of the world, at the United Nations.”

“This Justice for Children, Call to Action provides a strategic vision that actively puts children at the centre, affirms children’s rights and promotes their capabilities and opportunities, and vigorously targets the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.”

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Bi-Weekly Roundup March 25 to April 7

ACT TO PROTECT children affected by armed conflict

[Tuesday, April 2, 2019] was the launch of the new initiative #ACTtoProtect Children Affected by Conflict.

“In response to a rise in grave violations committed against children in recent years, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict launched ACT to Protect Children Affected by Conflict, a global campaign to generate greater awareness and action to protect children affected by war.”

“Over the next three years, the campaign will seek to strengthen collaboration between the United Nations, civil society and the international community to support actions designed to end and prevent grave violations committed against children in times of conflict.”

Read how you can ACT to Protect Children HERE!

ACT to Protect: What Can You Do?

Commit and ACT for children

Provide justice for children

Deliver services for children

Prevent violations

Build partnerships

Together, we can!

Add your voice, use the hashtag #ACTtoProtect

“Canada's Mission to the United Nations inaugurated the Roméo Dallaire Room in Canada's new chancery. The room was dedicated to General Dallaire "in recognition of his heroic leadership in peacekeeping, preventing the recruitment and use of child soldiers, and advancing the Vancouver Principles."”

Forest Whitaker Honored at Kennedy Center Human Spirit Awards

“Whitaker was chosen for the award because of his ongoing work with the Whitaker Peace and Development Initiative as well as with the Kennedy Center's Turnaround Arts program, which was founded under President Obama in 2011 to help strengthen schools through arts enrichment.”

“Whitaker talked about his experience working with former child soldiers in war-torn countries, including Uganda and South Sudan, helping them build mediation and conflict-resolution skills through educational arts programs.”

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Weekly Roundup November 12 to 18

November 15th marked the 1st Anniversary of the Vancouver Principles on Peacekeeping to Prevent the Recruitment and Use of Child Soldiers.

Read the Child Soldiers Initiative official press release below.

How Traumatized Children See the World, According to Their Drawings

“For decades, the International Rescue Committee (IRC) has worked with tens of thousands of children in struggling, often war-torn nations around the world who are suffering from what’s called toxic stress — a relentless cycle of trauma, violence and instability, coupled with a lack of adequate care at home. In some cases, the IRC has used drawing to help children open up or as a way to process their trauma. The drawings here, from IRC projects in Cambodia during the genocide, in Sierra Leone and Uganda in the early-2000s and in Jordan just last year, show what it’s like to endure displacement, violence and separation, through the eyes of the children themselves.”

A drawing made by a former child soldier in Uganda in 2002. The Lord's Resistance Army kidnapped over 30,000 boys and girls to serve as child soldiers during its 20-year war with the Ugandan government.

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Weekly Roundup July 9 to 15

UNSCR Open Debate on Children and Armed Conflict (CAAC) was held on July 9th, 2018 

The United Nations Security Council (UNSCR) unanimously adopts Resolution 2427 on children and armed conflict!

"Adoption of Resolution 2427 strengthens both the children and armed conflict and prevention agendas", says Sweden's Prime Minister Stefan Löfven. "Reintegration is not just in the best interest of the child but also best interested of communities."

Canada co-sponsored Sweden's resolution demanding accountability for all violations of children’s rights and framing child soldiers as victims rather than criminals.

UN Special Representative for Children and Armed Conflict Welcomes New Security Council Resolution

"It is up to us to prevent the conflicts of tomorrow, by protecting children today."

"Place peace first by placing children first" - UNICEF Chief

“Last year, 12,000 children were released and reintegrated into their communities”, says UNICEF Chief.

UNICEF Nigeria welcomes release of over 180 children suspected of Boko Haram ties from administrative custody

San Marino endorsed the Safe Schools Declaration, making for 3 new endorsements - 78 countries and counting are working to protect education in war. Here's why!

Many countries also showed support for the Straight 18 standard, stating it's 'inconceivable' that 43 states still recruit under 18′s in their national armed forces.

Overall, 92 statements were made and 1 important resolution (2427) was adopted, co-sponsored by 98 member states. This marked the first UNSC resolution to resolve around the central principle that children in armed conflict should be treated primarily as victims.

You can find updates from all day (July 9th) on Watchlist for Children and Armed Conflict’s Twitter page HERE!

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Further Child Soldiers News

How World Vision does child protection around the world

“More than half of the world’s children experience some form of violence every year. World Vision protects children and looks out
 for their well-being by ensuring communities and faith leaders 
are actively working to identify 
and support children in need; advocating for children’s rights; and providing for immediate needs, such as emergency shelter and essential care.”

ESCAPING LRA CAPTIVITY

“Making the decision and finding the opportunity to escape captivity is incredibly brave, but it’s only the first step toward freedom and safety. For many, the danger is not over once they manage to escape.”

My journey to hell and back: From child soldier to refugee to World Vision employee

Are They Soldiers? Or Are They Children? Preparing the Canadian Military for the Contemporary Security Environment

Read this policy brief by Lindsay Coombs.

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Wildlife Conservation

Wildlife Poaching and Trafficking: Combating a Source of Terrorist Funding

Date: Tuesday, July 17, 2018

Time: 8:45am - 9:45am EST

Location: U.S. Institute of Peace 2301 Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, District Of Columbia 20037

Who Will Save the Elephants?

Legal EU ivory sales 'condemn elephants' 

“The open, legal sale of antique ivory in many European countries is covering up a trade in illegal and recently poached ivory, campaigners say. Researchers from environmental group Avaaz bought 100 ivory items and had them radiocarbon dated at Oxford University.”

“Three quarters were modern ivory, being sold illegally as fake antiques. Ivory from an elephant killed by poachers as recently as 2010 was among the items passed off as being antique.”

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Other News

How murals are helping transforms landscapes

Featuring Artolution - the art of healing.

DM&E for Peace - Human Rights Hub

NEW! “The Human Rights Hub is a community platform for collaboration and the sharing of best practices in Human Rights programming.” 

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Weekly Roundup May 28 to June 3

Why Child Soldiers Rarely Stay Free for Long in the Central African Republic

“Protecting children from such violence and preventing their recruitment and re-recruitment is a huge challenge.”

“Reintegration projects are often poorly funded. And projects focusing on vocational training or employment often fail as children are given neither the right materials or equipment, nor the full support they need to understand a trade. Unlike other conflicts, the CAR crisis is unusual because most groups remain in the communities which they recruit from.”

“Contributing to this risk is the delay in demobilization, disarmament and reintegration support programs for adult fighters, a process that the government’s failed negotiations with armed groups has rendered long overdue. This means children remain in communities that are still armed and afraid, or struggling for either power or survival.”

“[N]ew illustrated booklet, created with local organizations, the government and the United Nations, was launched in May to help child protection actors understand the legal framework around child recruitment and advocate with armed groups for the release of children.”

UPDATE: Former LRA commandant Dominic Ongwen Case set to Begin in August

“Former LRA commandant Dominic Ongwen is set to begin his defence in August this year at the Hague-based International Criminal Court.”

"[P]rosecution closed its case in April this year with evidence from 116 witnesses who also included victims of the atrocities allegedly committed by Ongwen.”

Your Old Textbooks Might End Up in a Refugee Camp. Here's Why That Matters.

“Jusoor received a shipment of textbooks through the International Book Bank (IBB), one of many nonprofit organizations working to put textbooks and other educational supplies into the hands of the students that need them the most.”

“If you have a closet of old books, or a kid who just graduated high school, you can help refugee students, too. Along with Book Aid International and Books for Africa, check out these 10 organizations providing books to children around the world.”  

NEW site! Critical Pedagogy in the Arts Therapies

Necessary Dialogues. Resistance. Hopeful Action.