Protecting a Generation at War: The Optional Protocol on the Involvement of Children in Armed Conflict

Widespread global condemnation of the use of children as soldiers and fierce advocacy efforts have culminated in the entry into force on 12 February 2002 of the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the involvement of children in armed conflict. States parties must now take “all feasible” measures to eliminate all but voluntary recruitment (under specific conditions) of under 18s into armed forces and to raise the legal age for direct participation in hostilities to 18.