The Dallaire Institute supports the Peace Agreement signed between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Republic of Rwanda with the help of the United States and Qatar

The Dallaire Institute supports the peace agreement signed by the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and the Republic of Rwanda and calls on all the parties to promote full respect for human rights and international humanitarian law, ensure the full protection of all civilians, and provide proactive measures and protection to the children affected by the armed conflict in the east of the DRC.

Peace agreements, as fundamental documents that serve as a framework for peacebuilding and post-conflict recovery and reconstruction initiatives, have the potential to provide significant remedies to crucial challenges affecting children, peace and security.

Including child protection provisions and children’s perspectives in peace processes is not only a moral imperative but a strategic investment in long-term peace and security. Peace agreements and peace mediation efforts that address children's vulnerabilities and rights, such as prohibiting their recruitment and use, help to interrupt cycles of violence. Including youth and children as stakeholders also creates more inclusive, representative and durable outcomes and strengthens social cohesion.

As endorsers of the Vancouver Principles on Peacekeeping and the Prevention of the Recruitment and Use of Child Soldiers, we acknowledge the parties' common commitment to protecting children from the most egregious human rights abuses. Let us prioritize our shared goal and concentrate on the characteristics of humanity that bring us together, rather than those that divide us.

We express our full support to the Peace Agreement between the DRC and Rwanda to advance peace, promote the protection of children and local communities. We are certain that all parties involved, as well as the communities directly and indirectly affected, recognize the need of protecting their own children and future generations. There can be no lasting solutions to peace and security in the Great Lakes region unless we address the long-term effects of our failures, ensure children’s protection and remain committed to finding innovative solutions to peace.

We are prepared to support future initiatives and provide practical measures to implement the peace process.

Peace is possible, violence is preventable, and children must be at the heart of the solutions.

Yours sincerely,