Statement by the Prime Minister on the International Day Against the Use of Child Soldiers
February 12, 2023Ottawa, OntarioThe Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on the International Day Against the Use of Child Soldiers, also known as Red Hand Day:
“Children should never be used as weapons of war. A child’s right to a safe, protective, and supportive environment is everyone’s responsibility. On this International Day Against the Use of Child Soldiers, Canada reaffirms its unwavering commitment to end the recruitment and use of children in armed conflicts.
“Approximately 450 million children worldwide live in conflict-affected areas, including many displaced by war. In these situations, children can be forced to experience, witness, or participate in acts of violence, which causes resulting physical, physiological, and emotional harm that can have lifelong impacts.
“The Government of Canada is committed to helping children live and grow in safety here at home, and around the world. In 2017, Canada introduced the Vancouver Principles on Peacekeeping and the Prevention of the Recruitment and Use of Child Soldiers. Endorsed by 106 member states of the United Nations, the Vancouver Principles prioritize the prevention of the recruitment and use of child soldiers during a peacekeeping mission. These principles ensure that all peacekeepers – military, police, and civilian – are prepared to act decisively and effectively to help prevent child recruitment. Canada also established the Dallaire Centre of Excellence for Peace and Security to prepare the Canadian Armed Forces to prevent the recruitment and use of children in armed conflict.
“Today, we commit to continuing to work with the international community to ensure that all children can live their lives free from violence. Together, we can make sure children remain children, and build a safer, more just future for all.”
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks with Prime Minister of The Bahamas Philip Davis
February 11, 2023
Ottawa, Ontario
Yesterday, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau spoke with the Prime Minister of The Bahamas, Philip Davis.
The prime ministers discussed their commitment to strengthen the partnership between Canada and CARICOM members. They reiterated the need for close collaboration on supporting a Haitian-led solution to the instability in Haiti.
Prime Minister Trudeau thanked Prime Minister Davis for inviting him to participate as a special guest in the 44th Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of CARICOM and conveyed that he looked forward to meeting Caribbean leaders in Nassau next week.
The two leaders committed to continuing discussions at the CARICOM meeting next week.
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