Objectives
 

                   The objective of the Optional Protocol is to seek limits on the use ofchildren in armed conflict and, particularly, to raise the minimum agelimit for recruitment and to limit the actual participation of personsunder 18 years in hostilities.
 

               Key Provisions
 

                   The Optional Protocol prohibits the recruitment of individuals under eighteenyears of age by non-State actors. It imposes an obligation upon Statesto raise the minimum age of recruitment above the age set by the Conventionon the Rights of the Child.

                   It also establishes an obligation upon States to take all feasible measuresto prevent the direct participation in hostilities by individuals underthe age of eighteen.
 

                   It further requires States to establish safeguards relative to the voluntaryrecruitment of individuals under the age of eighteen.

                   Finally, the Optional Protocol sets forth an obligation upon States toreport to the Committee on the Rights of the Child on its implementation.
 
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Entry into force:  Not yet in force (the Optional Protocol willenter into force three months after the date of deposit of the tenth instrumentof ratification or accession with the Secretary-General of the United Nations,in accordance with its article 10) Status as at 15 June 2000:  Signatories:  5  ContractingParties:  --