Canada
Practice Relating to Rule 135. Children
Canada’s LOAC Manual (1999) provides:
Belligerents must also facilitate the reception of these children [children under 15 who have been orphaned or separated from their families] by neutral countries for the duration of hostilities, with the consent of the Protecting Power, if any.
The manual also states: “If circumstances permit, the parties to a conflict must endeavour to conclude local agreements for the removal from besieged areas of … children”.
With respect to non-international armed conflicts in particular, the manual provides:
If the children’s safety requires their removal from the area in which they are, this should be done, whenever possible, with the consent of their parents or guardians. Persons responsible for the safety and well-being of the children should also accompany them.
Canada’s LOAC Manual (2001) states in its chapter on land warfare: “If circumstances permit, the parties to a conflict must endeavour to conclude local agreements for the removal from besieged areas of … children”.
In its chapter on non-international armed conflicts, the manual states:
If the children’s safety requires their removal from the area in which they are, this should be done whenever possible with the consent of their parents or guardians. Persons responsible for the safety and well being of the children should also accompany them.