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Optional Protocols
UNICEF applauds U.S. ratification of trafficking protocol
NEW YORK, 7 November 2005 – UNICEF hailed the United States government today for ratifying a United Nations Protocol aimed at stopping the trafficking of women and children. The formal instruments of ratification were deposited at the UN last week.
UNICEF to Security Council: Children should not fight wars
NEW YORK, 20 January 2004—Carol Bellamy, Executive Director of UNICEF today condemned the appalling violations of the rights of children in times of war. Addressing the annual Security Council meeting on children in armed conflict, she called on Council members to work harder to end the use of child soldiers, the killing and maiming of children, abductions, attacks on schools and hospitals, and sexual violence against boys and girls.
UNICEF praises Afghan child-soldier innovation
NEW YORK/GENEVA, 23 September 2003 - UNICEF has hailed Afghanistan’s formal ratification of an international agreement to curb the recruitment of child soldiers.
UNICEF hails entry into force of optional protocol on the sale of children, child prostitution and child pornography
NEW YORK, GENEVA, 18 January 2002 - UNICEF today hailed the entry into force of the Optional Protocol on the sale of children, child prostitution and child pornography. Negotiated over a number of years with governments, experts and NGOs, the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child seeks to raise the standards in protecting children from all forms of sexual exploitation and abuse.


















