A/HRC/15/58 that have already ratified the Optional Protocol to provide guidance and other forms of assistance, both technical and financial, to those which are willing to ratify. 20. The international community is also urged to continue to mobilize its energies towards: (a) Advocating unequivocally for the age of 18 as the minimum age for recruitment and participation in hostilities; (b) children; Exerting international pressure on parties that continue to recruit and use (c) Monitoring and compelling adherence by parties to conflict to commitments made to protect children, and holding them accountable for failure to comply with international standards; (d) Addressing the political, social and economic factors that facilitate the recruitment and use of children; (e) soldiers. Responding to the rehabilitation and reintegration needs of former child 21. In discussions with governments and through public advocacy, the Special Representative is mobilizing support for the signing and ratification of the Optional Protocol on the involvement of children in armed conflict. Along with her partners in this endeavour, she has also launched a two-year campaign called “Zero Under Eighteen” to achieve universal ratification by 2012. 22. For the Office of the Special Representative, “Zero Under Eighteen” will include bilateral discussions between the Special Representative and those Member States who have yet to sign or ratify the Optional Protocol – one such opportunity will be during the treaty signing ceremony which will take place during the General Assembly debate in September 2010. Further, the Office of the Special Representative will provide technical assistance, along with our partners, to help facilitate the process. The Office has also created an online, social networking version of the campaign to promote awareness, as well as to provide information and support.4 23. “Zero Under Eighteen” is an open campaign and there is a role for every Member State. For those who have already signed up, the Special Representative requests that they become regional champions or sponsors for the campaign. Champions will advocate universal ratification, include links to the campaign on their websites, and assist in bringing the Special Representative to multilateral and regional meetings to discuss the Optional Protocol, the importance of ratification and the support that is available. Champions can also contribute by funding events that will highlight the importance of the campaign and recognize those Member States who have recently ratified. 24. Sponsors of “Zero Under Eighteen” are those Member States who could assist by creating or contributing to a fund for Member States who would like to sign but are unable to meet the costs of the initial and subsequent reporting requirements. 4 Available at http://www.facebook.com/zerounder18. 7