EU-Guidelines approved to reduce number of Child Soldiers

The EU General Affairs Council (GAC) has drawn up a series of guidelines aimed at reducing the number of child soldiers involved in conflicts and helping alleviate their suffering.

The GAC, which gave the green light to the rules during a session yesterday, was chaired by Italian Foreign Minister Franco Frattini on behalf of Italy's presidency of the EU.

The regulations were adopted in collaboration with the UN's special representative, UNICEF and with other non-governmental organizations. They will allow the EU to monitor situations in conflict zones and set up technical cooperation programs for the disarmament, rehabilitation and reintegration of children into civilian life.

Over two million children have been killed in armed conflicts during the last decade, and a further six million have been permanently maimed.

The EU Forum on Human Rights will implement the guidelines today in Rome.

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