News: Inauguration of the International Research Center for the Prevention of Child Soldiers in Dakhla
On March 31, 2022 a significant milestone in the global fight against the exploitation of children in armed conflicts was reached with the inauguration of the International Research Center for the Prevention of Child Soldiers in Dakhla, Morocco. The event was presided over by Morocco’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Nasser Bourita, who highlighted the center’s crucial mission to protect children from recruitment and exploitation in conflict zones.
A Center Dedicated to Child Protection
The International Research Center in Dakhla is designed as a hub for generating and disseminating accurate data on the recruitment and use of child soldiers worldwide. Its mission is to support the prevention of child soldiering through rigorous academic research, partnerships, and collaboration with international organizations and policymakers. The center aims to provide actionable insights and strategies to address all forms of child enlistment, with a focus on both local and global contexts
A Platform for International Collaboration
The center’s inaugural conference brought together experts, policymakers, and researchers to discuss the current state of child soldiering, analyze international legal frameworks, and share case studies from across Africa and beyond. The event marked the beginning of new initiatives, including the creation of systems to monitor and prevent child recruitment, support victims, and address the root causes of exploitation.
Looking Ahead
With its establishment, the International Research Center for the Prevention of Child Soldiers in Dakhla positions itself as a global reference point for research, advocacy, and action. It is committed to making its findings accessible to the international community, fostering collaboration, and contributing to the protection, demobilization, and reintegration of children affected by armed conflict.
The center’s launch marks a new chapter in the fight against the use of child soldiers, reaffirming Morocco’s leadership and the international community’s shared responsibility to safeguard children’s rights and well-being.