HIBAPRESS – (MAP)
The work of the African Ministerial Conference on Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration of Child Soldiers concluded on Thursday with the adoption of the "Rabat Declaration," which emphasizes strengthening the commitment to combat the recruitment of children in armed conflicts in Africa.
The ministers and heads of delegations of African countries participating in the conference adopted this declaration, which reaffirms the firm commitment to combating the recruitment and exploitation of children in armed conflicts, which are described as "serious violations of international law and an insult to humanity." The declaration expressed deep concern about the continuation of serious violations committed against children, particularly forced recruitment, sexual assault, and abduction, as well as obstructing access to education and humanitarian assistance. The document also emphasized the priority of prevention, as the most effective response to ending the phenomenon of child soldiers. Thus, the delegations called for the establishment of protective environments, strengthening the resilience of local communities, early warning mechanisms, in addition to addressing the root causes of recruitment. The ministers also stressed that the reintegration of children who have been released from armed groups should be comprehensive, sustainable, and appropriate to each individual's path, through programs that combine psychological and social support, family reunification, social integration, schooling, and economic empowerment, stressing the need to combat stigmatization and promote reconciliation within communities. On the other hand, the "Rabat Declaration" calls for strengthening regional and international cooperation, by highlighting the pivotal role of African organizations, local communities, and civil society in the prevention, protection, and reintegration of children associated with armed forces and groups. The declaration also emphasized the need for peace and post-conflict operations to systematically integrate the issue of child protection, not only as beneficiaries but also as actors of change in African societies. The "Rabat Declaration" also launched a path aimed at developing a special African legal mechanism, in the form of a continental convention dedicated to the prevention of the recruitment of child soldiers and their reintegration. To this end, the African ministers decided to establish a "Group of Friends of Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration Concerned with Children," which is a platform aimed at supporting this path and stimulating joint efforts. The declaration, which was adopted in Rabat, reaffirmed the common aspiration of African countries to build a continent where every child can grow up away from fear, violence, and armed conflicts, and their determination to contribute to global efforts aimed at permanently eliminating the phenomenon of child soldiers.
