12 February 2017 marks the International Day Against the Use of Child Soldiers. On this occasion, Entreculturas and the Jesuit Refugee Service teamed up with the Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network to pray and rally for the end of the use of child soldiers.

More than 230 million children around the world live in areas affected by armed conflict. Although there is no accurate data on the total number of child soldiers, it is estimated that there are about 250,000. According to the UN, 17 countries and territories are responsible for this human rights violation.

Every month, Pope Francis entrusts intentions to his World Prayer Network, focusing on social challenges and the Church's mission. His monthly prayer intention through The Pope's Video is a worldwide call to turn prayer into "concrete gestures". Throughout the month of December, the Pope invited us to pray and mobilize ourselves for the cause of child soldiers and children forced to participate in violence. The only weapon for boys and girls should be education.

Coinciding with the International Day Against the Use of Child Soldiers, the Pope's Worldwide Prayer Network invites us to support the projects of Entreculturas and the Jesuit Refugee Service to ensure that these children do not spend their childhood on a battlefield. People are also encouraged to support Pope Francis' initiative by signing the related petition. The campaign has been launched in both English and Spanish and has been shared in more than 20 countries.

More info: menoressoldado.entreculturas.org

Picture slider homepage: National Speakers Bureau, Canada