KANDAHAR - Actors highlighted the serious issue of child recruitment during an open-air theatre performance in southern Kandahar province, raising awareness in the community about children’s rights.  

The UNAMA-supported theatre production -- the third in a series of 10 events planned for Kandahar – was attended by several hundred people of various ages in the province’s Daman district.

Performed by members of the Kandahar Theater and Film Group, the show portrayed how recruiters for armed groups tempt children away from their family and friends, with tragic consequences, and highlighted the responsibilities of parents, elders and mullahs in protecting children.  

“The theme of the theatre is very important,” said Mr. Sailab, a member of the large audience. “Families should pay special attention to their children and prevent circumstances where they can be used by parties to conflict.”

In an after-show discussion, several participants made the point that children should be attending school, not taking part in the conflict.

“According to Islam and other laws, it is prohibited to use children in the conflict,” said one participant. “Involving children in this way is not good for society.”

According to international law, a child associated with an armed force or armed group refers to any person below 18 years of age who is, or who has been, recruited or used by an armed force or armed group in any capacity. This includes, but is not limited to, boys and girls used as fighters, cooks, suicide bombers, human shields, messengers and spies, or for sexual purposes.

Child protection is integrated into UNAMA’s human rights work and is also strongly reinforced in its mandate through Security Council Resolution 2274 (2016), which highlights the Council’s concern about the recruitment and use of children in armed conflict. Also stressed in the importance of monitoring and advocacy related to the “six grave child rights violations” under the Council’s Resolution 1612 on Children and Armed Conflict.

The Kandahar Theatre and Film Group gives performances on a variety of public service topics in Kandahar, along with the neighboring provinces of Helmand, Zabul and Uruzgan. Consisiting of both staff and volunteers, the group operates a cultural centre which runs classes in drama and music.  

UNAMA is mandated to support the Afghan Government and relevant international and local non-governmental organizations to assist in the full implementation of the fundamental freedoms and human rights provisions of the Afghan Constitution and international treaties to which Afghanistan is a State party, in particular those regarding the full enjoyment by women of their human rights.