While local values are important, conflict can also lead to a positive transformation of cultural practices, especially for women and children. Return to the status quo is often not an option and not always desirable. Skills within the NGO community can help to foster new structures and avenues, including children, to protect the rights of children. NGOs are conscious of the connection between the causes of current conflicts and other international issues. From the perspective of our partners in developing countries, our concern for children often seems hollow because they see cuts in development assistance, impacts of trade liberalization, Structural Adjustment Programs, heavy debt repayments, and deeper poverty.
Integrity demands greater consistency in all policy areas.
If we want to prevent child soldiers, we must also address the needs of children likely to become soldiers. Members of the Working Group support the optional protocol to raise the age of recruitment to 18. In order to have integrity and moral authority in the international arena, Canadian NGOs want to work with DND to find an acceptable solution in Canada. The delay in doing so and the lack of discussion with NGOs is regrettable. Children are often ignored in the rush to rebuild infrastructure and economic opportunities.