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www.icrc.org www.redcross.ca/ewhl (Even Wars Have Limits, Children and War Toolkit) www.waraffectedchildren.gc.ca www.warchild.ca (War Child Canada) www.child-soldiers.org
ACTION
1. Raise awareness and funds for the Child Advocacy and Rehabilitation (CAR) project that works with children, youth and communities affected by the civil war in Liberia. 2. Volunteer with or support organizations that work with children and communities affected by war. 3. Be aware of and promote children’s rights.
War and violence spare no one, especially civilians who are caught up in conflicts they didn’t start. Among civilians, women and girls in war-torn countries face some unique risks, threats and challenges. • • • •
www.icrc.org (‘Women and War’ Report) www.redcross.ca/ewhl (Even Wars Have Limits) www.cw4wafghan.ca (Canadian Women for Women in Afghanistan) www.peacewomen.org
1. Raise awareness or funds for the Women’s Vocational Training Project in Afghanistan, which provides livelihoods training to widows, abandoned and disabled women. 2. Support Red Cross or another organization that protect and assist women affected by war.
ACTION
INFO
Today, in dozens of countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America, children are suffering in the midst of conflict and its aftermath. More than 2 million children were killed in the 1990’s as a result of armed conflict…and many more millions were injured, disabled and traumatized. There are also currently tens of thousands of children under 18 taking part in fighting around the world.
women facing war
INFO
children and war
In 1997 nations signed a treaty banning anti-personnel mines, which has greatly reduced the use of and destruction caused by these indiscriminate weapons— and also helped the many survivors. In 2008, nations signed a similar treaty banning cluster munitions, which will also help reduce the use of and suffering caused by these weapons. • •
www.redcross.ca/ewhl (Even Wars Have Limits) www.icrc.org (International Committee of the Red Cross)
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ACTION
INFO
Weapons Contamination www.minesactioncanada.org (Mines Action Canada) www.icbl.org (International Campaign to Ban Landmines)
1. Raise awareness and funds for the ICRC Special Fund for the Disabled, which provides artificial limbs and care to landmine and cluster survivors, helping them to rebuild their lives. 2. Support other organizations that do demining or social reintegration work in mine-affected countries.
international humanitarian law
www.controlarms.org www.icrc.org Humanitarian Law <’Weapons’>
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www.un.org/disarmament
ACTION
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“Show your face”—and your support—for arms control by drawing a picture or taking a photo of yourself to add to the “Million Faces” petition (www.controlarms. org) for a global arms trade treaty, especially related to small arms.
INFO
red cross The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement is present in more than 185 countries. Our mission is to improve the lives of vulnerable people by mobilizing the power of humanity. • • • •
www.redcross.ca (Canadian Red Cross) www.redcross.ca/ewhl www.icrc.org (relating to conflict) www.ifrc.org (health, refugees & development)
ACTION
1. Contact your local Canadian Red Cross office around any events connected with humanitarian issues and international humanitarian law. 2. Use our educational materials on our website at www.redcross.ca (click on “How You Can Help” and then “Educator’s Resources”). 3. Check out potential volunteer opportunities in different Red Cross programs in your area.
EVEN WARS HAVE LIMITS
The world has entered a new age of ‘accountability’ in terms of international humanitarian law and criminal justice. Stronger measures are being added to existing laws to protect civilians affected by war, to limit the methods and means of warfare, and to put individuals on trial for war crimes, genocide and crimes against humanity.
INFO
Everyday, millions of men, women and children live in fear of armed violence—and every minute one of them is killed. The uncontrolled spread and misuse of arms, especially small or light weapons, by government forces and armed groups takes a massive human toll in lost lives and fuels conflict, poverty, and violations of international law.
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ACTION
INFO
small arms control
www.icrc.org <’Humanitarian Law’> www.icrc.org/ehl Exploring Humanitarian Law kit www.iccnow.org www.crimesofwar.org
The International NGO campaign in favour of the International Criminal Court (ICC) has a ‘Universal Ratification’ campaign. Every month people around the world write to a new country that has yet to ratify (sign on to) the ICC to urge it to do so: www.iccnow.org/ gettinginvolved/ideasforindividuals.html.