Red Hand Day
Red Hand Day, every year on February 12th, encourages political figures to avoid the use of child soldiers. The International Day Against the Use of Child Soldiers is also known as the International Day against the Use of Child Soldiers.
Unfortunately, many countries around the world encourage the use of children in violent conflicts. In at least 20 countries, over 250,000 child soldiers in the world are used in at least 20 countries. Afghanistan, Colombia, Iraq, the Philippines, Sudan, and Yemen are all examples of countries where this activity is particularly prevalent. The overwhelming majority of child soldiers are aged between 15 and 18 years old. However, some countries recruit children as young as nine years old.
Child soldiers also suffer from a lack of adequate nutrition, shelter, and health care in addition to being exposed to life-threatening injuries. In addition, abusive techniques are used on these children to discipline them. As a result, several of these child soldiers die or become permanently disabled. Infant soldiers who survive are traumatized for life.
No child is safe from becoming a soldier in some countries. Girls are even compelled to become soldiers by the government. These girls also face the possibility of forced marriage and sexual assault. If these children have the opportunity to return home, their lives may also be difficult.. Some children are orphanages who have returned as orphans. Some people are unable to attend class or work a career.
How to celebrate #redhandday...
Children from around the world paint their hands red and write their handprints on paper on this day. Some children also include a personal note to discourage the use of child soldiers alongside their red handprint. Many of the children who participate are former soldiers. Over 250,000 red hands were found in over 100 countries in 2009, the event attracted over 250,000 red hands. These handprints were sent to the UN Secretary in New York City by handprints. Other activities on this day include marches, petitions, and school awareness campaigns. Many groups, including World Vision, Amnesty International, and Child Soldiers International, among others, host events.
To participate, make a red handprint, photograph it, and post it on social media with the hashtag #RedHandDay.
Red hand day history
More than 150 governments introduced an optional rule on February 12, 2002 to prohibit the recruitment of children under the age of 18 in armed conflict. Former child soldiers in 2008, to honor this policy, collected red hand-prints and arranged them on paper and banners. They used the red hand to indicate that they would not use child soldiers again.. Since then, the day has been designated as Red Hand Day.
