COMMISSIONERS QUERIED ON MILITARISATION OF CHILDREN
The Celtic League has followed up correspondence to the Northern Ireland Children’s Commissioner, on the militarization of children (via the operation of cadet forces) and also recruitment in schools, by writing (in similar vein) to the Commissioners in Scotland and Wales (see below):
“Tam Ballie
Scotland’s Commissioner for Children and Young People
85 Holyrood Road
Edinburgh
EH8 8AU
01/04/11
Dear Mr Baillie,
I draw your attention to the attached correspondence we forwarded recently to the Northern Ireland Children’s Commissioner following concerns she articulated about the militarisation of young people.
We have outlined concerns in relation to the operation and role of cadet forces and the opportunity that they provide for young children to train with heavy calibre weapons.
We also outline our view that although exercising a `distanced approach’ to cadet forces the UK MOD has a direct input and procures a direct benefit from their operation.
We also express reservations about the way in which military recruitment is targeted.
We urge you to ensure that the operation of cadet forces and armed forces recruitment practices in Scotland complies with `the spirit’ and letter of international standards designed to prohibit the militarisation of children.
Yours sincerely
J B Moffatt (Mr)
Director of Information”
Related article on Celtic News here:
https://groups.yahoo.com/group/celtic_league/message/3621
J B Moffatt (Mr)
Director of Information
Celtic League
01/04/11
The Celtic League has branches in the six Celtic Countries. It works to promote cooperation between these countries and campaigns on a broad range of political, cultural and environmental matters. It highlights
human rights abuse, monitors all military activity and focuses on socio-economic issues.
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