Raise awareness about child soldiers!

On February 12, 2002, a new treaty came into effect, banning the use of children under age 18 in war. Unfortunately, the United Nations estimates that up to 250,000 children are still being used as soldiers in 20 armed conflicts worldwide. Children have initiated the Red Hand Campaign to urge officials at the United Nations to act.

Create a message protesting the use of child soldiers on a sheet of 8 ½ x 11 paper including your name, your town, state and country. As an expression of your protest, please include your handprint in red paint. These messages will then be forwarded to the United Nations.

The aim of this global campaign is to present UN officials in New York with one million red hands on Red Hand Day 2009 (February 12), the anniversary of the day the treaty to ban child soldiers took effect. We will make clear that we expect more than a ban — we want it to be enforced.

Please mail in your messages and handprints to Sarah Bouchard, Plan USA, 155 Plan Way, Warwick, RI 02886.