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CHILD SOLDIERS TREATY ENTERS INTO FORCE




8 February 2002

ACT 76/002/2002

25/02



Thousands of 'red hands' will be planted in the grounds of the United Nations Palais des Nations in Geneva on 12 February to mark the entry into force of a new UN treaty prohibiting the use of children under 18 in hostilities.



The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Mrs Mary Robinson, and other dignitaries will participate in a short ceremony organised by the Coalition to Stop the Use of Child Soldiers, a network of NGOs campaigning on this issue worldwide.A former child soldier from Sudan will present Mrs Robinson with letters and drawings from children affected by armed conflicts around the world. Mrs Robinson will make some short remarks and be available for a photo-opportunity immediately afterwards.



The red hands ? the Coalition's logo - represent more than 300,000 child soldiers fighting in more than 40 conflicts worldwide.



Similar events will be held by Coalition members in Bangladesh, Belgium, Colombia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Guinea, Ireland, Italy, New Zealand, Norway, Pakistan, Paraguay, Peru, the Philippines, Rwanda, Tanzania, United Kingdom, United States of America, Uganda, Venezuala, Yemen, Zambia and Zimbabwe.



Time: 1200 on 12 February



Place: Lawns around 'Golden Globe' monument, Palais des Nations facing Lake Geneva



Contact: For further information, please contact Rory Mungoven (+44 20 7226 0606 or cellphone +44 780 877 1379) or Gerrit Beger (cellphone +44 7903 162 610).

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