§2370c. Definitions

In sections 2370c to 2370c–2 of this title:

(1) Appropriate congressional committees

The term "appropriate congressional committees" means-

(A) the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate;

(B) the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate;

(C) the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives; and

(D) the Committee on Appropriations of the House of Representatives.

(2) Child soldier

Consistent with the provisions of the Optional Protocol to the Convention of the Rights of the Child, the term "child soldier"-

(A) means-

(i) any person under 18 years of age who takes a direct part in hostilities as a member of governmental armed forces;

(ii) any person under 18 years of age who has been compulsorily recruited into governmental armed forces;

(iii) any person under 15 years of age who has been voluntarily recruited into governmental armed forces; or

(iv) any person under 18 years of age who has been recruited or used in hostilities by armed forces distinct from the armed forces of a state; and

(B) includes any person described in clauses ¹ (ii), (iii), or (iv) of subparagraph (A) who is serving in any capacity, including in a support role such as a cook, porter, messenger, medic, guard, or sex slave.

( Pub. L. 110–457, title IV, §402, Dec. 23, 2008, 122 Stat. 5088 .)

References in Text

Sections 2370c to 2370c–2 of this title, referred to in text, was in the original "this title", meaning title IV of Pub. L. 110–457, Dec. 23, 2008, 122 Stat. 5087 , known as the Child Soldiers Prevention Act of 2008, which is classified principally to sections 2370c to 2370c–2 of this title. For complete classification of title IV to the Code, see Short Title of 2008 Amendment note set out under section 2151 of this title and Tables.

Codification

Section was enacted as part of the Child Soldiers Prevention Act of 2008, and also as part of the William Wilberforce Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act of 2008, and not as part of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 which comprises this chapter.

Effective Date

Pub. L. 110–457, title IV, §407, Dec. 23, 2008, 122 Stat. 5091 , provided that: "This title [enacting this section and sections 2370c–1 and 2370c–2 of this title, amending section 4028 of this title, and enacting provisions set out as a note under section 2151 of this title], and the amendments made by this title, shall take effect 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 23, 2008]."

¹ So in original. Probably should be "clause".