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ventative security sector approach. bridges between parties in peace
We conduct world class research, processes, within political deba-
advocacy and training that provi- te and policy making that leads
des practical solutions for the se- to creating spaces for dialogue
curity sector to implement when in what may appear to be an in-

facing children in armed conflict. tractable conflict or across diver-
As an organization we believe that gent political opinions. This can
by actively putting children’s rights then lead to building increased
upfront it will generate more poli- confidence and trust, commitment
tical will and resources to enhance of dedicated resources, as well as
the protection of children that can the implementation of concrete
contribute to overall peace and se- and measurable steps on the road
curity globally. A Children’s Rights to peace and increased security.
Upfront (CRU) Approach seeks to By prioritizing the needs of chil-
elevate children’s well-being hi- dren, we can also begin to address
gher up on the international peace the underlying factors that contri-
AND USE OF CHILD SOLDIERS and security agenda both in terms bute to the vulnerability of chil-
of making it a priority for all actors dren to being recruited and used
with a focus on creating points of as soldiers. Almost half of the
tion will also lead to a reduction in collaboration by highlighting the world’s population is under the
the human resource capabilities of need to protect the rights of so- age of 24 years. Many countries
violating armed forces and groups ciety’s most vulnerable – children. in sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia,
and their ability to sustain confli- By agreeing to make children a the Middle East, and North Africa
ct, ultimately breaking the cycle of priority, this approach can build have predominately young popu-
violence and positively impacting lations. This means that children
many generations to come. are coming of age in societies that
The Roméo Dallaire Child Sol- lack access to education, employ-
diers Initiative (Dallaire Initiati- ment opportunities, healthcare, re-
ve) believes that in order to pro- liable supplies of food and water,
gressively end the recruitment shelter, and/or have experienced
and use of children as soldiers, displacement of their families. The-
the world must focus on effecti- se factors make many children and
ve prevention. The organization youth vulnerable to recruitment by
focuses on progressively ending armed forces, groups and gangs.
the recruitment and use of chil- The Vancouver Principles:
dren as soldiers through a pre- The Vancouver Principles on Pea-

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