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Sat

Jan

2024

Elective Military Corps Programs in Schools Should Not Be Forced Upon Minority and Low-income Students

Submitted by nnomy

English translation unavailable for .

Mon

Jan

Illegal armed groups recruited more than 100 Colombian child soldiers in 2014

Submitted by hannah on Mon, 12/01/2015 - 09:58

Dec 17, 2014

Illegal armed groups in Colombia have recruited 119 minors in 2014, the country’s Ombudsman’s Office said on Tuesday.

According to the government’s human rights office, guerrilla group FARC — currently engaged in peace talks with the government — allowed 51 minor into its ranks, while the smaller ELN group recruited 22.

Drug trafficking organizations and groups that were formed from the demobilized AUC paramilitary group recruited 55. The office did not report specify the number of recruits per group.

Tue

Jan

Children enjoy a day as Royal Marines

Submitted by hannah on Tue, 06/01/2015 - 14:59

THEIR expertise has helped protect Britain for more than 350 years.

And a taste of the survival skills needed to be a Royal Marine were passed on to children in a dressing-up game with a difference.

As part of a survival-themed year of activities, The Royal Marines Museum, in Eastney Esplanade, Portsmouth, has been giving families the chance to wear marines’ combat gear for different types of conditions.

Now we’re in the winter months, the challenge to be a part of an Arctic convoy was set this weekend, including camouflaging in pure white snow and choosing the right equipment for sub-zero temperatures.

There was a choice of gear to wear, including jackets and helmets, as well as white mesh worn for colder climates.

Mon

Jan

A Call on IASA Alumni to Refuse Mandatory and Reserve Duty Service in the Israeli Military

Submitted by hannah on Mon, 05/01/2015 - 15:46

We, Israel Arts and Science Academy alumni, former staff members, Palestinians and Jews, from different ages and diverse world-views, approach you, alumni and future alumni – dare to refuse.

As human beings and citizens we each carry responsibility for our choices and actions. Military service or refusing it is a choice. Refusing to serve in the Israeli military is not an easy choice, but a moral stance against a collective mood manifested in racism and violence on every street these days. It is a choice to withstand the pressure coming from one’s home, friends, professional environment and the media, and to not take part in the crimes done in our name. The refusal to serve means also resisting the militaristic indoctrination process we all went through since our childhood in schools, youth movements, national ceremonies, in high school – and which continues in our adult lives.

Mon

Jan

South Sudan conflict ‘devastating’ for country’s children – UN report

Submitted by hannah on Mon, 05/01/2015 - 15:44

30 December 2014 – The conflict in South Sudan has seriously hampered the protection of children, increasing their vulnerability dramatically, says a new report published this week by United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon.

The first report of the Secretary-General on children and armed conflict in South Sudan documents grave violations of children’s rights committed since the African nation seceded from Sudan in 2011.

More specifically, it takes stock of how children have been affected by the conflict during the period from 1 March 2011 to 30 September 2014, documenting the following six grave violations committed against children: killing and maiming, recruitment and use, sexual violence, abduction, attacks against schools and hospitals, and denial of humanitarian access.

Mon

Jan

ISIS releases moms’ guidebook to raising ‘jihadi babies’

Submitted by hannah on Mon, 05/01/2015 - 15:32

The Islamic State has released a guidebook for young mothers with “helpful tips” on how to raise a Mujahid Child, outlining techniques they believe will develop the body and jihadi spirit of the new generation of extremist fighters.

Entitled Sister’s Role in Jihad, the latest propaganda move by the extremist organization tries to convince their loyal followers that the “most important” role women can play in Jihad is to raise their kids “not only in spirit”, but also to develop their physical ability and training.

The key to success, IS argues lies in introducing these values in them while they are babies. “Don't wait until they are seven to start, for it may be too late by then!,” the handbook that recently surfaced online states.

Mon

Jan

No, war is not a game

Submitted by hannah on Mon, 05/01/2015 - 12:18

This Friday we were in Ifeca, where Juvelandia is held (http://www.ifecajerez.com/juvelandia/actividades.html), to talk about Peace and to remind the authorities of their obligation not to indoctrinate children or young people. The Navy attends each year to show their boats and armour to the children… The Spanish Navy does not incur fines, is not a crime, nor does fall under punishable offences in the Criminal Code or the Citizen’s Security Law (Ley de Seguridad Ciudadana). Talking to children about war is not a crime…

This leaflet was handed out there:

JUVELANDIA ARMY, OUT

The Navy will once again be present in the young people and children’s fair, Juvelandia.

Fri

Dec

Save the Children Calculate Number of Child Soliders in the Central African Republic Has Doubled

Submitted by elisa on Fri, 19/12/2014 - 15:07

The number of child soldiers in the Central African Republic (CAR) has more than doubled – and possibly quadrupled – since sectarian conflict erupted last year, putting them at risk of long-term psychological damage, Save the Children warns.

An estimated 6,000 to 10,000 boys and girls are currently members of armed groups, compared with around 2,500 at the beginning of the crisis, according to the charity.

Fri

Dec

The UK – Recruiting An Army Of Teenagers

Submitted by hannah on Fri, 19/12/2014 - 14:50

Did you know that the UK armed forces recruit 16-year-olds? Owen Everett from ForcesWatch explores the UK military’s wide influence in the education system and the concerns that arise from this.

The UK is the only country in the European Union that recruits 16-year-olds, and the influence of the UK military within UK schools, colleges, and universities is increasing. This article focuses upon the military’s influence in secondary schools and colleges, and challenges the ethics of the UK’s military recruitment.

Wed

Dec

Counter-recruitment Resources

Submitted by hannah on Wed, 17/12/2014 - 15:47

DOWNLOAD THE KIT

The kit is a catalog of basic material useful to educating young people and school personnel about the realities of military enlistment and war. The catalog also includes some information on alternatives to enlistment, as well as items written for organizers seeking to reach out to local schools.

All of the material in this catalog was carefully reviewed for relevancy and accuracy as of the summer of 2014. A task force of knowledgeable organizers did the research. It does not include all of the available literature on this topic because much of what exists is out of date or is no longer being produced by the original sources. Consequently, we focused on identifying items that we felt were basic and most useful for effective organizing and educating. New items may be added to future kits as they become available.

Languages

Countering Military Recruitment

WRI's new booklet, Countering Military Recruitment: Learning the lessons of counter-recruitment campaigns internationally, is out now. The booklet includes examples of campaigning against youth militarisation across different countries with the contribution of grassroot activists.

You can order a paperback version here.