February 12th is the International Day Against the Use of Child Soldiers, a.k.a. Red Hand Day!

Entering into force on 12 February 2002, the Optional Protocol of the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the involvement of children in armed conflict (OPAC) banned the participation of children under the age of 18 in hostilities, marking an important milestone towards ending the recruitment and use of children as soldiers. Since then, February 12 has been commemorated annually as ‘Red Hand Day’ to raise awareness about the recruitment and use of children in armed violence.

In February 2023, the Dallaire Institute’s African Centre of Excellence hosted a commemoration event and a workshop in honour of Red Hand Day.

The workshop brought together military, police, civilian personnel and policy-makers from over 12 African countries to discuss tangible steps to advance a Children, Peace and Security Agenda and to implement the Vancouver Principles across Africa. The workshop highlighted the urgent need to recognize that the recruitment and use of children is not solely a humanitarian or child protection issue but one of national security. Governments must invest long-term in prevention efforts and implement the Vancouver Principles if we are to end cycles of violence and build sustainable peace.

Follow the Dallaire Institute on social media to learn more about the significance of Red Hand Day and the current state of affairs as we work towards ending the recruitment and use of children in armed violence and transform cycles of violence.

We welcome you to #RaiseYourRed to show your support and tag us in your post!