§ Dr. TongeTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when the Government plan to ratify the protocol to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child prohibiting states from allowing children under the age of 18 years to fight in armed conflicts. [125022]
§ Mr. HainThe Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the involvement of children in armed conflict was adopted by the UN General Assembly on 25 May 2000. It is expected to be opened for signature and ratification later this year. The Government welcome adoption of the Optional Protocol. We are looking closely at the implications for the UK Armed Forces and the measures that would be required to allow the UK to ratify.