Everyone has a responsibility to report violations of the rights of children and to take urgent measures to prevent them. The success of efforts to protect and promote the rights of children often depends on persuading others of the value of such actions and the need to increase awareness of the critical situation. Speak out against the use of children as soldiers and promote the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child, aimed at raising the age of recruitment into armed forces from 15 to 18 years. Mount a vigorous public information campaign to ensure that parents, schools and policy-makers are familiar with local and international human rights standards and humanitarian law, such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the Convention on the Rights of the Child. Assist in creating an enabling environment for child rights activities.
Health professionals have a special obligation to speak out.
Support the participation of women as key members of negotiating teams in peace missions, reconciliation forums and peace-building efforts. Become involved in conflict resolution and prevention, such as mediation and capacity building activities. The Hot Line is available to victims of human rights violations, their relatives and non-governmental organizations. 10 Switzerland Tel.