Local Statement of the European Union on Guinea-Bissau’s / Ratification of the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the involvement of children in armed conflict

BISSAU, Guinea Bissau, October 8, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ — The European Union Delegation, in agreement with the Heads of Mission of the

Embassies of Spain, France and Portugal in Bissau, warmly welcomes the ratification by

Guinea-Bissau, on 24 September 2014, of the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the

Rights of the Child on the involvement of children in armed conflict.

With this ratification, Guinea Bissau is reinforcing the global trend towards eliminating

the recruitment of children into armed forces. Children affected by armed conflict remain

among the top human rights priorities of the European Union. Armed conflicts still affect

a great number of children and pose a serious threat to their survival, development and

life opportunities.

The European Union Delegation and the Heads of Mission of the Embassies of Spain,

France and Portugal considers the ratification an important step by the authorities of

Guinea-Bissau and encourages them to pursue their efforts to further improve the

promotion and protection of human rights in the country.

The European Union stands ready to support Guinea-Bissau in implementing the

Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the involvement of

children in armed conflict, which will enter into force for Guinea-Bissau on 24 October

2014.

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