No letup in CHR probe vs. child soldiers' recruitment

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 12, 2021): No letup in CHR probe vs. child soldiers' recruitment (By Lade Jean Kabagani)

MANILA – The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) will continue to investigate cases of youth recruitment within armed conflict areas, an apt way to commemorate International Day against the Use of Child Soldiers on Friday.

CHR spokesperson Jacqueline Ann de Guia said the agency strongly condemns the involvement of children in armed conflict.

"In the Philippines, CHR has monitored and is continuously investigating cases of children in situations of armed conflict," de Guia said in a statement. "We have noted cases allegedly perpetrated by the New People's Army where children are being harmed, killed, or seriously injured in armed battles, among others."

She cited that some children are forced and abducted to become combatants while others are deceived or made to believe that joining an armed group is a chance for a better life.

"In the field, children in armed conflicts also fulfill different roles – on the front lines, acting as spies, lookouts, messengers, couriers, or running errands," de Guia said.

Employing child soldiers violates the International Humanitarian Law, which prohibits the recruitment and use of children in armed conflict and hostilities, she said.

"We remind all groups – State and non-State alike – that the use of children as soldiers is a war crime. This reprehensible act robs the young of their childhood and the chance to have a better life," de Guia said.

The event, also called Red Hand Day, is celebrated February 12 yearly since 2002 to draw attention to the plight of child soldiers, classified as under-18 participants in military organizations of all kinds.

The European Commission and the United Nations (UN) issued a statement on the use of child warriors, saying “no one has the right to steal children´s dreams or their innocence.”

“Children are tragically paying the highest price and we have the joint responsibility to build a sustainable system that protects all children at all times. We stand ready to respond to the urgent education needs of children, as education is crucial in preventing the recruitment and use of children,” read the statement that was published on the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs website.

Call to protection, gov't support

De Guia urged the government to step up its efforts to enforce pertinent laws to heighten the protection of children against illegal recruitment.

There are existing laws to protect children, such as Republic Act (RA) 7610 or the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act; RA 9851 or the Philippine Act on Crimes Against International Humanitarian Law, Genocide, and Other Crimes Against Humanity; and RA 11188 or the Special Protection of Children in Situations of Armed Conflict Act.

"In the end, while there is a higher obligation from the government to ensure respect and protection of everyone's rights, groups and individuals also bear the duty to protect them at all times and in all situations," she said.

“CHR will continue to rally for this cause and will continue to investigate cases of child soldiers – may these allegations come from the government or rebel groups – in line with our duty as an independent national human rights institution."

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1130487