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World Citizens Strongly Oppose Use of Child Soldiers in Yemen

In Being a World Citizen, Children's Rights, Conflict Resolution, Current Events, Human Rights, Humanitarian Law, International Justice, Middle East & North Africa, NGOs, Nonviolence, Peacebuilding, Solidarity, The Search for Peace, Track II, United Nations, War Crimes, World Law on July 27, 2026 at 6:00 AM

By René Wadlow

As the armed conflict among the USA, Israel, and the Islamic Republic of Iran grows ever more complex and violent, Yemen is being increasingly drawn into the conflict.

The Houthis, allied with the Islamic Republic of Iran, can menace shipping through the Bab Al-Mandab at the entry of the Red Sea, with a result of a strong increase in in the price of oil and a renewal of hostility with Saudi Arabia. The Houthis control the capital city, Sanaa, while the former government controls much of south Yemen.

The Houthis have used child soldiers since the start of their quest for power in 2014, including an all-women brigade of young women, the Zainabiyat. The governmental forces have also used child soldiers.

(C) Asharq al Awsat

As tensions increase, there are signs of a large recruitment of child soldiers by both the Houthis and governmental forces.

The Association of World Citizens which has Consultative Status with the United Nations played an active role in the drafting of the Convention on the Rights of the Child banning the use of child soldiers. Today, there must be a renewed effort to negotiate the broader armed conflict and to prevent the use of child soldiers.

Prof. René Wadlow is President of the Association of World Citizens.

Of related interest:

Convention on the Rights of the Child: The Vital Role of NGOs
Child Soldiers: From International Norms to Local Practice
Child Soldiers in Colombia: Action Needed
BOOK REVIEW: Helen Lackner, “Yemen in Crisis: Devastating Conflict, Fragile Hope”
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Il faut défendre la Cour pénale internationale

In Human Rights, Current Events, Solidarity, The Search for Peace, United Nations, International Justice, World Law, Being a World Citizen, War Crimes, Humanitarian Law, United States, NGOs, Track II, Peacebuilding on July 20, 2026 at 5:00 PM

Par René Wadlow

En cet instant de montée des dangers et d’attaques contre la coopération internationale, nous avons besoin d’institutions qui puissent s’attaquer aux dangers qu’aucun pays ne peut affronter seul.

La Cour pénale internationale (CPI) est l’une de ces institutions du droit mondial. L’Association of World Citizens est dévouée au développement du droit mondial en tant que fondement des relations entre les gouvernements et les peuples. Elle avait œuvré pour la création de la CPI en tant qu’agente vitale du respect du droit mondial. En ce moment, la CPI fait l’objet d’attaques d’un certain nombre de gouvernements, parmi lesquels celui des Etats-Unis.

C’est pourquoi il est nécessaire que les Organisations Non-Gouvernementales prennent la tête dans la promotion de la CPI. Celle-ci a ses faiblesses, elle n’a pas atteint l’impact que certains d’entre nous estimaient lui revenir. Raison de plus d’œuvrer à l’amélioration perpétuelle de la CPI. Le temps presse, et c’est maintenant qu’il faut agir.

Le drapeau de la Cour pénale internationale vole sur La Haye (C) Tony Webster

Le Professeur René Wadlow est Président de l’Association of World Citizens.

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In Defense of the International Criminal Court

In Human Rights, Current Events, Solidarity, The Search for Peace, United Nations, International Justice, World Law, Being a World Citizen, War Crimes, Humanitarian Law, United States, NGOs, Track II, Peacebuilding on July 20, 2026 at 5:00 PM

By René Wadlow

At a time when risks are rising and international cooperation is under attack, we need institutions capable of managing risks that no single country can, alone.

The International Criminal Court (ICC) is such an institution of world law.  The Association of World Citizens is devoted to the development of world law as a basis of relations among governments and peoples. It had worked for the creation of the ICC as a vital agent for the respect of world law.  The ICC is currently under attack by certain governments especially the USA.

Therefore, there is a need for Nongovernmental Organizations to take a lead in the promotion of the ICC. It has weaknesses and has not had the impact that some of us thought it should have.  All the more reason to work for the continued improvement of the ICC.  The time is short, and action is needed now.

The flag of the International Criminal Court flying over The Hague (C) Tony Webster

Prof. René Wadlow is President of the Association of World Citizens.

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