The Protocol’s main aim is to prevent the involvement of children in armed conflict. The Protocol bans children under the age of 18 from performing compulsory military service and from taking part in armed conflict as a member of a country’s armed forces. It also contains a provision banning the use in armed conflict of children under 18 by non-government armed groups.
Under Russian legislation, citizens can perform compulsory military service only after reaching the age of 18. Citizens can sign their first contract for service in the armed forces only after reaching the age of 18. Citizens can enter military education establishments from the age of 16, but they can only sign contracts for military service once they turn 18.
The Protocol does not contain any provisions that differ from those stipulated by the laws of the Russian Federation.
The Protocol has been ratified or joined by 119 countries, and another 31 countries have signed it.