The Optional Protocol on the Involvement of Children in Armed Conflict

Optional protocols complement and add to existing treaties. They are ‘optional’ because the obligations may be more demanding than those in the original convention, so States must independently choose whether or not to be bound by them. Optional protocols are treaties in their own right, and are open to signature, accession, or ratification by States that are party to the main treaty.

The Second Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child entered into force in February 2002 and called The Optional Protocol on the Involvement of Children in Armed Conflict.

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