Martin Kobler, Chief of MONUSCO, condemns the use of child soldiers by armed groups in DRC

Kinshasa, 12 February 2015 - “Thousands of children continue to be recruited by armed groups in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. Child recruitment jeopardizes the future of these children and deprives the DRC of their vigour and strength”, stated Martin Kobler, Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General in the DRC, on the occasion of the International Day against the use of Child Soldiers.

The Chief of MONUSCO further welcomed the efforts made by the Government of the Democratic Republic of Congo which adopted an Action Plan in October 2012, thereby clearly indicating its commitment to end the recruitment and use of children in armed conflict.

“Children belong in school and not on the battlefield. Let us give them pencils and not weapons. I urge all child soldiers to surrender and call on young people to resist armed groups”, concluded Martin Kobler.

Notes to readers:

The Day was launched in 2002, when the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child, especially their involvement in armed conflicts came into force. It prohibits the involvement of children under the age of 18 in hostilities.

The protocol was adopted by the UN General Assembly in May 2000 and ratified by 100 countries, including the DRC. It is estimated that 300,000 child soldiers – boys and girls under 18 year of age – are victims in more than 30 conflicts in the world.

The Action Plan to end the recruitment and use of children by armed forces and security services of the DRC was signed on 4 October 2012 by the Congolese Government.