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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider CHR urges gov't to enforce strictly local, global laws against use of children in armed conflicts

CHR urges gov't to enforce strictly local, global laws against use of children in armed conflicts

Published Feb 12, 2022 04:14 pm

Commission on Human Rights (CHR)

The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) called on the government to enforce strictly local and international laws against the use and involvement of children in situations of armed conflicts.

The call was made as the country joined in the observance today, Feb. 12, of the “International Red Hand Day” which raises awareness on the plights faced by children under 18 years of age who are forced to participate in organizations and are being utilized as child soldiers.

In its social media post, the CHR said it has been continuously monitoring and investigating cases of children who are being utilized in situations of armed conflicts.

"We have documented cases of rebel groups, allegedly perpetrated by the New People’s Army, where children are recruited, harmed, killed, or seriously injured in armed hostilities," it lamented.

It pointed out that most countries with armed forces are bound by the higher standards of the Optional Protocol on the Involvement of Children in Armed Conflict (OPAC).

Since the Philippine government has an obligation under the Convention on the Rights of the Child and the OPAC, it urged the continued efforts in enforcing pertinent laws -- Republic Act No. 7610 or the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act; RA 9851 or Philippine Act on Crimes Against International Humanitarian Law, Genocide, and Other Crimes Against Humanity; and RA 11188 or the Special Protection of Children in Situations of Armed Conflict Act.

"Employing child soldiers violates the very core of International Humanitarian Law and constitutes a war crime. This reprehensible act robs the young of their childhood and the chance to have a better life," the CHR stressed.

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