New York, 25 May 2000
Objectives
The objective of the Optional Protocol is to seek limits on the use of children
in armed conflict and, particularly, to raise the minimum age limit for
recruitment and to limit the actual participation of persons under 18 years in
hostilities.
Key Provisions
The Optional Protocol prohibits the recruitment of individuals under eighteen years of age by non-State actors. It imposes an obligation upon States to raise the minimum age of recruitment above the age set by the Convention on the Rights of the Child.
It also establishes an obligation upon States to take all feasible measures to
prevent the direct participation in hostilities by individuals under the age of
eighteen.
It further requires States to establish safeguards relative to the voluntary recruitment of individuals under the age of eighteen.
Finally, the Optional Protocol sets forth an obligation upon States to report to
the Committee on the Rights of the Child on its implementation.