11 More Nations Sign Paris Commitments on Child Soldiers

Eleven more countries have pledged to halt child recruitment, support the release of children from armed groups, and help reintegrate them into civilian life.  Cape Verde, Gabon, Georgia, Iceland, Latvia, New Zealand, the Republic of Korea, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, Togo and Uruguay endorsed the Paris Commitments on Children Associated with Armed Forces or Armed Groups, raising the number of supporting countries from 84 to 95.

Thousands of children continue to be recruited by both government forces and armed rebel groups in situations of armed conflict and insecurity, despite global efforts to combat the scourge.  The Paris Commitments, a voluntary initiative adopted in 2007, are accompanied by the Paris Principles – operational guidelines designed to help children successfully reintegrate into their communities. 

Click here to read more about the Paris Commitments.

(Adapted from a UN  Press Release)