When the 14 year-old Alhaji Babah Sawaneh testified before the Council in 200...

When the 14 year-old Alhaji Babah Sawaneh testified before the Council in 2001, he said “taking my gun from me was a vital step” (S/PV.4422, p. 8). In that context, I commend the Special Representative for her “Children, not soldiers” campaign. Boys and girls belong in playgrounds, not battlegrounds. Around their young shoulders, they should have school backpacks, not ammunition belts. Their hearts should be filled with optimism and hope, not terror at what the next day may bring.