![]() states parties
states that have signed, but not ratified
states that have not signed | |
Signed | 25 May 2000[1] |
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Location | New York[1] |
Effective | 12 February 2002[1] |
Condition | 10 ratifications |
Signatories | 180[1] |
Parties | 173[1] |
Depositary | UN Secretary-General |
Languages | Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian and Spanish |
Full text | |
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Child soldiers |
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The Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the Involvement of Children in Armed Conflict (OPAC), also known as the child soldier treaty, is a multilateral treaty whereby states agree to: 1) prohibit the conscription into the military of children under the age of 18; 2) ensure that military recruits are no younger than 16; and 3) prevent recruits aged 16 or 17 from taking a direct part in hostilities. The treaty also forbids non-state armed groups from recruiting anyone under the age of 18 for any purpose.
The United Nations General Assembly adopted the treaty as a supplementary protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child by resolution 54/263 on 25 May 2000.[2] The protocol came into force on 12 February 2002. The treaty consists of thirteen articles.
As of January 2023, 173 states are party to the protocol. A further 7 states have signed but not ratified it.[1]