Support is building in the United States on behalf of an international ban on the use of children under the age of 18 in armed conflict. Over fifty non-governmental organizations have appealed to President Clinton on behalf of this agreement, an optional protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child. In a separate letter, thirty-eight retired military officers (including both retired Generals and Admirals) also urged the President's support for the agreement.

A Congressional letter in support of the ban [sponsored by Congressmen Tom Lantos (D-CA), John Porter (R-IL), Chris Smith (R-NJ), and Ron Dellums (D-CA)] is currently being circulated for signature by members of Congress, and is scheduled to be sent to the President by January 23, 1998. Contact your representative and senators and encourage them to sign on, if they have not already done so.