Rabat Hosts the African DDR Conference on Child Soldiers
Rabat Hosts Unprecedented African Conference on DDR for Child Soldiers
The Kingdom of Morocco will host the African Ministerial Conference on Disarmament, Demobilization, and Reintegration (DDR) of child soldiers this Thursday in Rabat, themed “Building Sustainable Pathways for Children Affected by Armed Conflict.” This event represents a first on the continent and marks a critical step in creating a coordinated African response to the phenomenon of child soldiers.
A Major Political Initiative for Child Protection in Africa
Organized in a context of escalating armed conflicts and increasing threats to children, this conference aims to address emerging challenges:
the rise of transnational armed groups,
mass displacements,
cyber recruitment,
increased fragility of communities.
It is intended as a moment of political impetus to strengthen African mobilization around the prevention of child soldier recruitment and their sustainable reintegration.
Objectives: Coordination, Cooperation, and an African Legal Framework
This conference specifically aims to:
create strong political momentum against the recruitment of children,
enhance regional cooperation and coordination among African states,
establish the groundwork for a dedicated African legal instrument for DDR,
promote holistic reintegration approaches that include:
encouraging research, sharing expertise, and disseminating best practices.
Morocco: A Committed Actor for Peace and Child Protection
The hosting of this conference in Rabat underscores Morocco’s ongoing commitment, under the leadership of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, to peace, security, and child protection in Africa.
With its experience in regional stability, strengthening African capacities, and child protection, Morocco stands as a natural and legitimate venue for this continental gathering.
Towards a New African Era in Combating Child Soldiers
The Rabat Conference aspires to open a new chapter in the fight against the recruitment of child soldiers, affirming an approach:
It marks a crucial advance toward building sustainable futures for children affected by armed conflict.
