February 12 is considered "Red Hand Day." The treaty banning the use of child soldiers (the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the involvement of children in armed conflict) entered into force on February 12, 2002.

Why is Red Hand Day important?

Friday 12th February 2021 marks Red Hand Day - the International Day Against the Recruitment of Child Soldiers. ... Since then, the day is used to raise awareness about the recruitment of children into armed forces and armed groups.

What happens on Red Hand Day?

On Red Hand Day or the International Day against the Use of Child Soldiers, February 12 each year since 2002, pleas are made to political leaders and events are staged around the world to draw attention to child soldiers: children under the age of 18 who participate in military organizations of all kinds.