{"id":8514,"date":"2026-02-14T18:57:24","date_gmt":"2026-02-14T17:57:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/hrsly.com\/?p=8514"},"modified":"2026-02-14T18:57:26","modified_gmt":"2026-02-14T17:57:26","slug":"joint-statement-by-libyan-non-governmental-organizations-on-the-international-day-against-the-use-of-child-soldiers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/hrsly.com\/en\/joint-statement-by-libyan-non-governmental-organizations-on-the-international-day-against-the-use-of-child-soldiers\/","title":{"rendered":"Joint Statement by Libyan Non-Governmental Organizations On the International Day Against the Use of Child Soldiers"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
Ref: PRS 2026\/02\/1008<\/td>February 12, 2026<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Joint Statement by Libyan Non-Governmental Organizations On the International Day Against the Use of Child Soldiers<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The undersigned Libyan organizations commemorate the International Day Against the Use of Child Soldiers at a time when children and minors in Libya remain vulnerable to multiple forms of violence and exploitation, both within and outside the context of armed conflict.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Although the public recruitment of children by armed groups has declined compared to the years following 2011, largely due to the reduction in active hostilities since 2020, serious risks persist. These include the presence of minors inside security and military facilities or affiliated rest houses, their use in non-combat roles, and their exposure to grave violations, including sexual exploitation, coercion, and extortion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In recent years, Libya has witnessed local initiatives aimed at reducing the recruitment of children, supported by UNICEF and its partners. UNICEF has launched awareness campaigns and psychosocial support programs for conflict-affected children, and supported municipal pledges to prevent the involvement of minors in military activities. In 2016, the Municipality of Zintan announced a ban on the participation of children under 18 in military activities, followed in 2017 by the release of dozens of conflict-associated minors with support from UNICEF reintegration programs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

These local efforts coincide with deeply troubling global trends. The Report[1]<\/strong><\/a> of the Special Representative of the Secretary\u2011General for Children and Armed Conflict to the Human Rights Council\u2019s 61st Regular Session (23 February \u2013 2 April 2026)<\/strong> shows that grave violations against children reached unprecedented levels in 2024<\/strong>, with a 25% increase<\/strong> compared to 2023. The United Nations verified 41,370 grave violations<\/strong> against 22,495 children<\/strong>, including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n