New $2M gift bolsters Dallaire Institute’s work to end recruitment of child soldiers

The Fondation Monbourquette has made a $2-million gift to the Dallaire Institute for Children, Peace and Security that will support the institute in initiating sustainable and effective approaches to global peace and security. Specifically, it will strengthen the institute’s efforts to end the recruitment and use of children in armed conflict and violence and break the cycles of violence.

“Considering the many hostilities worldwide, there is a clear need for action and solutions that advance a children’s peace and security agenda,” said Dr. Shelly Whitman, executive director of the Dallaire Institute. “Placing children’s protection and rights at the forefront of this agenda is key. This transformative gift provides a solid foundation for us to lead this effort. It will enable us to continue to be champions for children, both at home and internationally, to change the attitudes and behaviours that result in the use of children in armed violence, and to contribute to a more peaceful world.”

Inspired by Dallaire’s progress

Based in Montreal, the Fondation Monbourquette is a non-profit organization that supports various charities with the aim of improving collective well-being. Its president, Gérard Veilleux, a long-time friend of Lt. Gen. (retired) Roméo Dallaire, has extensive first-hand experience with the institute. He is a founding donor and has served as a member of its international advisory council. He has also travelled internationally with the institute to observe its work in the field. 

“Seeing all the work accomplished by the Dallaire Institute to reduce and eliminate the participation of children in war is inspiring and encouraging,” said Mr. Veilleux. “They continue to make real progress in their mission to build a world where children are at the heart of peace and security. That mission is more vital than ever, and we are pleased to support it. I look forward to seeing the innovative strategies and programs that they develop to achieve their goals through this gift.”

A global leader in advancing peace

Based at Dalhousie University with operations around the world, the Dallaire Institute for Children, Peace and Security is a global leader in the effort to prevent the recruitment and use of children in armed violence. It takes a dual lens approach to the issue that prioritizes the protection of children and the impacts on the security sector. The institute co-developed the 2017 Vancouver Principles on Peacekeeping and the Prevention of the Recruitment and Use of Child Soldiers, which has been endorsed by more than 100 countries. It has also delivered recruitment prevention training to more than 15,000 security forces globally. And it has contributed to more than 50 policy resources on children and armed conflict worldwide. 

The institute plans to accelerate action on the implementation of the Vancouver Principles, deliver more recruitment prevention capacity building efforts in Africa and Latin America, and engage more children and communities in the effort to prevent armed violence against children.

“We have achieved many milestones since the launch of the institute in 2007, but there is still much more work to do to achieve our goals,” said Dallaire. “This gift will make it possible for us to continue our efforts to influence and pursue new research, policies, and partnerships that, collectively, challenge and change the perpetual cycles of violence, putting the world on the path to new approaches to achieving peace through the prioritization of children.”

Recommended reading: Feds back Dallaire Institute study examining the mental‑health impacts of exposure to child soldiers