Red Hand Day, or, the International Day against the Use of Child Soldiers, is observed today, Feb. 12.
The observance aims draw attention to the problem of child soldiers: minors under the age of 18 who participate in military conflicts. The aim of Red Hand Day is to promote action to stop this vile practice, and to support affected children.
Numerous instances of child soldiers have been recorded in sub-Saharan Africa, the Philippines, Myanmar and Colombia, among others.
The total number of child soldiers, one-third being girls, is today calculated at roughly 300,000.
