RFMF Commander’s Recruiting Reviewed
The Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defence has recommended that Fiji remove the powers of the Commander of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces to recruit children between the ages of 16 to 18 under exceptional circumstances.
The recommendation was made to Parliament by the chairperson of the Committee Alexander O’Connor yesterday.
The committee’s review report on the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the Involvement of Children in Armed Conflict was presented in Parliament. Mr O’Connor said the committee is of the opinion that Fiji should adopt the straight 18 years rule when recruiting young people into the Disciplined Service. The Optional Protocol aims to protect children from recruitment and be used in hostilities.
Edited by Karalaini Waqanidrola
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