The Dallaire Institute for Children, Peace, and Security, in partnership with Dalhousie University’s Open Dialogue Series, marked the International Day against the Use of Child Soldiers with a powerful public dialogue in Halifax, Nova Scotia. This event brought together globally recognized voices with lived experience to deepen understanding of the recruitment and use of children in armed conflict and to highlight the long-term impacts on individuals, communities, and global security.

Featuring Omar Khadr and Ishmael Beah, the discussion explored the complex circumstances that make children vulnerable to recruitment, as well as the starkly different responses they often face. Together their stories challenged audiences to confront inconsistencies in how children recruited and used are perceived and treated across different contexts.

Grounded in international law and the protection of human rights, the dialogue emphasized that children recruited and used in conflict deserve protection, no matter where they come from. By fostering open, informed conversations, The Dallaire Institute continues its mission to prevent the recruitment and use of children and transform cycles of violence.

Please watch a recap of the event here