Dallaire Institute welcomes Canada’s support to eradicate child soldiers

The government of Canada has pledged to support the Dallaire Institute in order to keep on fighting against and preventing the recruitment and use of child soldiers worldwide. The commitment was made by the Minister of International Development in Canada, Harjit S. Sajjan on May 23, during a press conference. This follows the discussions involving the prevention of the recruitment and use of child soldiers among various partners such as the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) and Rwanda National Police (RNP) among others. “We will be supporting the Dallaire Institute so it can continue and expand its important work in Africa,” he said. In addition, he pointed out that people should focus on the root cause pushing children to join the army at an early age, such as discrimination, abuse, or cultural pressures. “Children need to play sports on the playground, not fight wars on the battlefield. The essential ways we can stop children from being dragged helplessly into conflict is the promise of food, security, and other basic needs, though the current situation is critical,” he added. He emphasised how important it is for people to ensure that children have the opportunity to reach their potential. “If we give them this chance -- who knows what they could do. For themselves. For their families. For all of us,” he added The Executive Director of Dallaire Institute, Shelly Whitman commended Canada for the support. “I want to thank Canada for supporting us and engaging with Rwanda, as well as continuing to help us in building a children’s peace and security agenda around the world,” she said. In addition, she pointed out that the work they have done in implementing the Vancouver principles on peacekeeping and the prevention of recruitment and use of child soldiers will benefit the entire world. Whitman also said that they still need Rwandan support in countries where such issues still exist; such that Africa reaches a point where it will no longer be seeing the recruitment of child soldiers in any ongoing army conflict. She also revealed that in terms of prevention, the institutes have research that helps in predicting and tracking early warning signs of recruitment of children. “The research helps us to know it ahead of time and we want to work hand in hand with Rwandans so when we recognise the signs, they can get in and help prevent it, and that is what is already being done in Mozambique,” she said. RDF spokesperson Lt. Col. Ronald Rwivanga assured full support toward the institute and also commended Canada’s support, arguing that preventing and ending the recruitment of children soldiers globally is a shared mission. Rwivanga also mentioned that Canadians’ support will contribute to fighting against that issue among other benefits. In addition, he commended the Dallaire institute for bringing unique approaches and expertise to combat the issue of children in conflict situations. “Rwanda has recorded significant results through the Dallaire institute in their support in capacity building of the forces of both RNP and RDF in preparing them to interact with child soldiers in conflict,” he added.

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Dallaire Institute welcomes Canada’s support to eradicate child soldiers