Red Hand Day
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Where is Red Hand Day observed?
Red Hand Day is observed globally.
Who is Red Hand Day observed by?
Youth, students, and children affected by the conflict of an army, and groups of civil society and community all around the world observe and participate in the campaign.
When did Red Hand Day first start?
On February 12, 2002, the ban of using child soldiers forced Coalition partners to declare the day as Red Hand Day by organizing events for awareness about child recruitment using the image of red hands.
Who started Red Hand Day?
Coalition partners declared February 12, 2002, as Red Hand Day.
History And Timeline
On February 12, 2002, the Optional Protocol outlawed the enforced recruitment for the participation of adolescents and children below 18 years. Coalition partners announced Red Hand Day by organizing events using a red hand, painted by children.
It was accepted by about 150 governments. However, many armed forces still recruited and used child soldiers.
Many child soldiers are forcefully recruited and cannot leave their unit. The majority of children in the armed force are between 15 and 18 years old, but some have nine-year-old child soldiers fighting. Often children who have grown up in fighting zones join in to have a better chance of survival.
Under inhuman circumstances, many child soldiers die or become traumatized or blind, but some are able to survive. Not only boys are at risk but girls also.
Customary International Law
Both internal and international armed conflicts considered the minimum age of soldier recruitment as 15.
1977African Charter
This charter specified that children under the age of 18 are not allowed to be recruited or involved in hostile situations.
1990Rome Statute In International Criminal Court
Conscripting children below 15 to armed forces or participating in hostilities was delcared as a war crime.
1998Child Labor Convention 182
This prohibited the forced recruitment of children below 18 years in armed conflicts and was considered a horrific form of child labor.
1999The Convention On The Rights Of The Child
To participate in hostilities or armed groups, a minimum age was set to 18 years.
2000Traditions And Customs
Red Hand Day is observed to bring attention to this issue and encourage stopping the recruitment of children for military purposes. The date indicates the day that the OPAC treaty came into force.
During Red Hand Day celebrations, children paint their hands red and make handprints on paper. Along with these handprints, children add personal messages about stopping this child abuse. Many former child soldiers also participate in this day to spread awareness.
Thousands of child soldiers serve in armed groups without any security. In armed groups, they work in suicide missions, as spies, lookouts, and messengers.
Ways To Observe Red Hand Day
The observance takes place on February 12 every year. Red Hand Day is observed by raising awareness by conducting events for the children who serve forcefully as soldiers. The annual commemoration of Red Hand Day is an attention-drawing function by the plight of child soldiers who are forced to serve in armed conflicts.
Many people conduct programs that aid to increase financial support to these children. You could also offer support to a family of a martyr if needed.
Organizations like Amnesty International, World Vision, and Child Soldiers International all host programs. On Red Hand Day, a red hand is printed on paper and sent to the UN Secretary. Many other events like petitions, marches, and school awareness are conducted.
Facts And Stats
- Each year on February 12, on Red Hand Day, appeals are made to political leaders, and many events are conducted worldwide, which draws the attention of the world towards the sufferings of child soldiers.
- The ultimate aim of Red Hand Day is to give support to these children and stop the practice of recruiting children as soldiers.
- You can observe this day by creating social media hashtags and sharing images of the abuse faced by child soldiers on social media, so people are made aware of these horrific actions.
Why is it called Red Hand Day?
The Red Hand Day campaign aimed to collect one million 'red hands' which is symbolic of a worldwide campaign against child soldiers.
What is the significance of Red Hand Day?
Red Hand Day is to be aware of the issue and encourages ending the abuse of children for military work.
What is the history and origin of Red Hand Day?
On February 12, 2002 the Optional Protocol outlawed the enforced recruitment for the participation of adolescents and children below 18 years. Coalition partners announced Red Hand Day by organizing events using a red hand, painted by children.
How is Red Hand Day different from World Day Against Child Labor?
Red Hand Day is to raise awareness of the issue of recruiting children into military forces and aims to end this practice. Child Labor Day is to spread awareness of physical and mental problems children face when forced into child labor of any kind.
When Is This Day Celebrated
- Wednesday, February 12, 2020
- Friday, February 12, 2021
- Saturday, February 12, 2022
- Sunday, February 12, 2023
- Monday, February 12, 2024
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With an MBA under her belt, Deepthi has discovered her true calling in content writing. Her writing repertoire is diverse, covering travel, movies, pet care, parenting, animals and birds, and more. Her joy of learning and creating has helped her craft well-written and engaging articles. When she isn't writing, Deepthi enjoys exploring new cultures, trying different foods, and spending quality time with her two children aged 7 and 12.
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Amanpreet has a Bachelor's degree and a Master's degree in Business Administration from the Birla Institute of Technology and Xavier Institute of Social Service respectively, coupled with her internships at Decimal Point Analytics and the Royal Bank of Scotland, has equipped her with the necessary skills to analyze complex data and present insights in an easy-to-understand format. Her paper on the impact of COVID-19 on CSR programs has received high commendation.
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