By KUNA
Brussels : The European Union called Tuesday for a more robust international response to the curse of child recruitment into armies and irregular fighting forces. Today, Tuesday marks the International Day against the Use of Child Soldiers. “While remarkable advances have been made by the international community in developing a solid legal protection framework, on the ground conflicts have impacted children more brutally than ever, said EU Commissioner for external relations, Benita Ferrero-Waldner, in a statement.
Children aare victims of deliberate strikes against schools and of abductions aimed at forcing them to serve as combatants, sex slaves or servants , she noted.
Louis Michel, EU Commissioner for Development and Humanitarian Aid, stressed the particular vulnerability of children caught up in humanitarian crises and living in camps for refugees or displaced people.
“We know that young people in camps are a prime target for recruitment into armed groups. Taking already vulnerable youngsters and forcing them to bear arms or work as little more than slaves is unacceptable, said Michell.