Rights of the Child

Committee on the Rights of the Child in 2013 (Continuation)

United States views on international law [1] in relation to Committee on the Rights of the Child: This afternoon, we will describe three themes that drive our work regarding the Optional Protocol on the involvement of children in armed conflict. First, the United States does not send children to fight. We are proud to have an all-volunteer force in the United States—no one of any age can be forcibly recruited into the U.S. Armed Forces—and no individual under the age of 18 can take a direct part in hostilities. Moreover, we respect our obligation not to recruit, in any event, those under the age of 17. We go to great lengths to ensure compliance with all of our obligations under the Protocol, and we exceed its requirements in many respects. Second, we are great supporters of the Protocols and this process of treaty review. We became party to these Protocols in 2002 with bipartisan support, and we have actively sought to participate in this process in a frequent and timely manner. Third, in our efforts abroad, we again take a three-part approach: prevention, mitigation, and rehabilitation. Around the world, the United States seeks to prevent and mitigate the harms resulting from the involvement of children in armed conflict and to support rehabilitation programs. Let no one doubt: the United States abhors the unlawful use of children in armed conflict and supports the prosecution of ruthless war criminals, like Joseph Kony, who engage in such grotesque practices. Such brutal practices steal from children their youth and show them horrific violence that no child should experience. All too often, children who have been so tragically abused become adults who replicate these abuses without mercy. We deeply appreciate the efforts this Committee has made to advance the international community’s response in combating the exploitation of children, through trafficking and in armed conflict. On behalf of my country and my delegation, I look forward to our discussions with you. …

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1 See Hillary Rodham, Children Under the Law, 43 Harv. Educ. Rev. 487 (1973).

Optional Protocols to the Convention on the Rights of the Child

In relation to the international law practice and Optional Protocols to the Convention on the Rights of the Child in this world legal Encyclopedia, please see the following section:

International Human Rights

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Rule of Law and Democracy Promotion

. Note: there is detailed information and resources, in relation with these topics during the year 2011, covered by the entry, in this law Encyclopedia, about Open Government Partnership