Bolivia: Ratification of the Optional Protocol to Convention on the Rights of the Child

Index Number: AMR 18/005/2004
Date Published: 31 July 2004
Categories: Americas, Bolivia

The involvement of children in armed forces is not inevitable. There is no excuse or acceptable argument for abusing and exploiting children as combatants. The recruitment and participation of children in armed conflicts is a decision made by governments or by leaders of armed political groups. It is unforgivable that children and young persons are encouraged to commit barbaric acts as well as being the victims of grave human rights abuses. It is time to exclude children from participating in war.