Children in War
Resolution History
The Children in War resolution began as a draft proposal created by Sydia. Early versions of the proposal were discussed in the North Pacific regional forums, where Mikitivity suggested some minor formatting amendments. The final version of the resolution ended up being one of the first NationStates resolutions using the modern preamble / activating clause format.
The resolution itself was adopted by a clear supermajority of voters and was well received in the UN forum.
Resolution Text
| Category: | Human Rights | Strength: | Strong | Proposed By: | Sydia |
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Description:
The NationStates United Nations,
Noting with regret that thousands of children continue to be abducted to serve as soldiers, spies, messengers, servants and sexual slaves with armed forces and groups,
Realizing that poverty, propaganda and ideology also continue to drive the involvement of children in many conflict areas,
Deeply disturbed by the idea that children make obedient and cheap soldiers capable of instilling terror in civilians and opposing forces alike,
Observing that many of these children are generally poor, illiterate, and from rural regions,
Bearing in mind that many nations have a difficult time in protecting these children,
Convinced that the social and economic viability of the future of all nations lies in the humane treatment of children in general,
1. Bans the practise of conscripting or placing children under 16 years of age into national armed services;
2. Insists nations address the causes of child abduction by non-governmental organizations;
3. Emphasizes the need for nations to prevent cross-border abduction and human trafficking;
4. All parties in armed conflict must adopt special measures to protect children from rape and sexual abuse and gender based violence;
5. Expects nations to take into account the special needs of children throughout the duration of the armed conflict and its aftermath;
6. All UN nations must ensure that international measures be taken to take care of child refugees displaced by conflict;
7. Condemns and bans attacks of any sort on places that have a significant presence of children, such as schools, hospitals, and day care facilities;
8. Deplores and bans the practice of using children as human shields by integrating child care facilities, such as those listed above, with military facilities, and prohibits this practise; and
9. Acknowledges the right of nations to set up military academies and to teach children basic survival and defense skills.
- Votes For: 15,753
- Votes Against: 2,582
- Implemented: Mon Mar 8 2004
