Bernard Durkan
Question:394. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of locations globally known to use child soldiers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4189/21]
View answerWednesday, 27 January 2021
Questions (394)
Written answers
The recruitment of child soldiers remains a serious problem with tens of thousands of children recruited into conflicts around the world.
The UN Secretary-General issues an annual report on Children and Armed Conflict (CAAC) which examines both trends and specific country situations, listing all armed groups that recruit and use children.
In his latest 2019 report, the Secretary-General identified nineteen countries where more than 25,000 grave violations against children were verified. Verified cases of child soldier recruitment were identified in thirteen of these countries. Nevertheless, positive progress has also been recorded including the release and reintegration of 13,600 children in 2019.
Ireland’s membership of the Security Council offers us an opportunity to play an active role in combating violations against children in conflict situations. The Security Council has established tools to strengthen child protection and to support international standards on CAAC including a comprehensive monitoring and reporting mechanism. Ireland has joined the UN Security Council Working Group on CAAC which adopts conclusions on country situations of concern and ensures follow up of the recommendations at country level.
Ireland is also an active member of the Group of Friends of CAAC as well as the Group of Friends of the Reintegration of Child Soldiers. Ireland continues to combat the use of child soldiers through our development programme, with a focus on addressing the socio-economic causes that contribute to this situation, through providing access to education, skills and livelihood opportunities.