The Optional Protocol was adopted by the UN General Assembly on 25 May 2000 and entered into force on 12 February 2002. The more than 170 countries that ratified the Optional Protocol commit that they will not recruit children under the age of 18 to send them to the battlefield; will not conscript soldiers below the age of 18 and will take all possible measures to prevent such recruitment; will demobilise anyone under 18 conscripted or used in hostilities and will provide physical, psychological recovery services and help their social reintegration. Armed groups distinct from the armed forces of a country should not, under any circumstances, recruit or use in hostilities anyone under 18.

CRC / UN