Child Soldiers Global Report 2001 - Trinidad and Tobago
| Publisher | Child Soldiers International |
| Publication Date | 2001 |
| Cite as | Child Soldiers International, Child Soldiers Global Report 2001 - Trinidad and Tobago, 2001, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/498805c528.html [accessed 4 June 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
REPUBLIC OF TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO
Mainly covers the period June 1998 to April 2001 as well as including some earlier information.
- Population:
– total: 1,289,000
– under-18s: 424,000 - Government armed forces:
– active: 2,700 - Compulsory recruitment age: no conscription
- Voluntary recruitment age: 18
- Child soldiers: none indicated
- CRC-OP-CAC: not signed
- Other treaties ratified: GC, CRC
- There are no indications of under-18s in government armed forces.
GOVERNMENT
National Recruitment Legislation and Practice
The national security forces of Trinidad and Tobago include the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force and the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service, both of which are under the control of the Ministry of National Security.1930 Recruitment in the above forces is on voluntary basis only and the minimum age for military service is 18.1931 Trinidad and Tobago has a Cadet Force, which is also under the control of the Ministry of Security and is open to youths from the ages of 12 to 19. The school principal and parents must give consent for students to become cadets.1932 Cadet activities include, weapons training and shooting, field crafts, map reading and drills.
1930 US State Department op. cit. – Trinidad and Tobago.
1931 Radda Barnen (Swedish Save the Children) Website.
1932 http://www.directory.gov.tt/directory/ministry/Natsec/Securit.htm, Government of Trinidad and Tobago Website.
