Measures to Counteract Use of Child Soldiers

Introduction

Since her independence in 1958, the Republic of Niger has experienced four military regimes amidst its struggles for democracy. This political instability has led to several changes in the structure of the army, leaving a more malleable framework in terms of specific laws against child soldiers. However, Niger strictly condemns the use of child soldiers and has participated in several treaties to take action and eliminate this very real issue, despite its minimal threat to the nation. This stance has been consistent regardless of whether the country was under military rule or a democracy.

International Treaties and Commitments

In the past, Niger signed and ratified the CRC-OP-AC treaty on 19th October 2007, which enforces laws ensuring that the legal minimum age requirement for recruitment by armed forces is 18 (United Nations, 2007). Niger has taken a voluntary approach in applying this treaty, having an almost negligible number of child soldiers, thus not requiring national legislation with specific recruitment requirements. However, an increasing concern has been a surge in the numbers of child soldiers due to the involvement of terrorist groups. One such group, formed by the Tuaregs, attacked Niger, prompting the country to immediately sign The Paris Principles and Paris Commitments in February 2007. This action not only aimed to prevent future child soldier recruitment but also provided the Nigerien government with a clear protocol to address current child soldiers (Paris Principles, 2007).

Current Challenges

The Nigerien government remains concerned because rebel groups recruit thousands of child soldiers each year, with Boko Haram recruiting 2,000 child soldiers in 2016 (Human Rights Watch, 2017). Niger is severely threatened by these organizations due to its extensive border with Nigeria, where the organization's headquarters are located. In addition to this, Niger is part of West Africa, which includes several nations with a large number of child soldiers, including Sierra Leone and Nigeria. The delegate of Niger worries that there may be an influx of child soldiers from these neighboring nations, potentially leading to a rise in child soldiers, a problem that the Republic of Niger has worked hard to control.

Regional Cooperation and Solutions

Niger is also part of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), which allows it to assist several member nations with which it shares close borders. However, our nation and members of the African Union (AU) also require the help of countries such as Senegal and Guinea-Bissau, known for their strict anti-child soldier policies and, more importantly, the effective implementation of these policies. This collaboration is essential as it will help other members of the AU and ECOWAS combat the issue more effectively.

Proposed Strategies

The delegation of Niger believes that implementing a stringent procedure regarding present child soldiers will be the cornerstone of solving this problem. A primary strategy is through education and incentivizing children to forgo their current path or avoid it altogether if they have not been recruited yet. The delegate of Niger emphasizes the importance of the various blocs forming the African Union to unite under one umbrella and seek help from various UN organizations, such as the UNSC for groundwork and rescuing children, and UNICEF for providing shelter to affected children and offering a better lifestyle. This comprehensive support system is crucial to ensure that children do not delve into this dangerous path of no return.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while Niger continues to face challenges due to its geographical and political situation, its commitment to international treaties and regional cooperation shows its dedication to eradicating the use of child soldiers. By focusing on education and international collaboration, Niger aims to create a future where all children can grow up free from the threat of forced recruitment into armed groups.

References

• United Nations. (2007). Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the involvement of children in armed conflict. Retrieved from https://www.ohchr.org/en/instruments-mechanisms/instruments/optional-protocol-convention-rights-child-involvement-children-armed-conflict
• Paris Principles. (2007). The Paris Principles: Principles and Guidelines on Children Associated with Armed Forces or Armed Groups. Retrieved from https://www.unicef.org/protection/files/ParisPrinciples_EN.pdf
• Human Rights Watch. (2017). Nigeria: Boko Haram's Child Soldiers. Retrieved from https://www.hrw.org/news/2017/08/23/nigeria-boko-harams-child-soldiers