Signed by the Four Great Powers on the 10th day 22 Cycle, TC 1838
Ratified by: The Eastern Empire, Western Federation, Frozen Clans of the North, and Wild Confederacy of the South
PREAMBLE
Recognizing that children represent the foundational strength of all nations, and acknowledging that the prosperity and security of our realms depend upon the cultivation of strong, wise, and capable future leaders, we, the representatives of the Four Great Powers, do hereby establish this International Children Protection Act to ensure the proper development and protection of all youth within our territories.
Let it be known that children are the living wealth of every nation—their minds the repositories of future wisdom, their bodies the vessels of coming strength, and their spirits the guardians of tomorrow's hope.
ARTICLE I: DEFINITIONS
Section 1.1 - For the purposes of this Act, a "child" or "minor" shall be defined as any individual under the age of twenty-one (21) years, prior to their official Bloodrite Ceremony.
Section 1.2 - "Guardian" refers to any parent, adoptive parent, or legally appointed caretaker responsible for a child's welfare.
Section 1.3 - "State Authority" refers to the designated governmental body within each signatory nation responsible for enforcing child protection laws.
ARTICLE II: FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS OF CHILDREN
Section 2.1: Right to Education Every child, regardless of birth circumstances, social status, or economic condition, shall be entitled to access comprehensive education, including:
- Basic literacy and numerical skills.
- Historical and cultural knowledge of their nation.
- Physical conditioning and martial training appropriate to their age.
- Specialized instruction based on demonstrated aptitudes.
Section 2.2: Right to Medical Care All children shall receive:
- Regular health examinations to ensure proper development.
- Treatment for illnesses and injuries without regard to family's ability to pay.
- Preventive care to maintain optimal physical condition for future service.
- Nutritional support to prevent stunted growth or developmental delays.
Section 2.3: Right to Training and Development Each child shall be provided opportunities for:
- Military preparedness training appropriate to their age and capabilities.
- Development of natural talents and abilities.
- Leadership instruction for those showing promise.
- Specialized cultivation techniques to enhance bloodline potential
ARTICLE III: PROTECTION FROM EXPLOITATION
Section 3.1: Prohibition of Child Labor No child under the age of sixteen (16) shall be compelled to perform labor that:
- Interferes with their education or training
- Poses risk to their physical or mental development
- Exploits their vulnerability for economic gain
Children aged sixteen to twenty may engage in supervised work that contributes to their skill development and national service preparation.
Section 3.2: Elimination of Child Slavery The practice of child slavery in all its forms is hereby abolished throughout all signatory territories. Any person found guilty of enslaving, purchasing, or trafficking children shall face immediate execution.
Section 3.3: Kidnapping and Child Theft The unlawful taking of any child shall constitute a capital offense punishable by death. This includes:
- Abduction for ransom or sale
- Forced recruitment into criminal organizations
- Unauthorized removal from lawful guardians
- Trafficking across territorial boundaries
ARTICLE IV: PROTECTION OF PHYSICAL INTEGRITY
Section 4.1: Age of Consent The age of sexual consent is hereby established at twenty-one (21) years across all signatory nations. This provision recognizes that premature sexual activity can irreparably damage a young person's bloodline potential and spiritual development.
Section 4.2: Penalties for Sexual Crimes Against Minors
- Sexual contact with any person under sixteen (16): Death penalty.
- Sexual contact with persons aged sixteen to twenty: Life imprisonment with hard labor.
- Coercion or exploitation of minors for sexual purposes: Public execution
Section 4.3: Protection from Physical Abuse While reasonable discipline is recognized as necessary for proper development, excessive punishment that results in permanent injury or impairs a child's ability to serve their nation shall be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.
ARTICLE V: RESCUE AND REHABILITATION
Section 5.1: Removal from Unsuitable Conditions State Authorities are empowered and required to remove children from situations including:
- Extreme poverty that threatens their development.
- Criminal environments that corrupt their moral character.
- Neglectful households that fail to provide basic needs.
- Any circumstance that compromises their potential to serve their nation
Section 5.2: Military Academy Placement Children removed from unsuitable conditions shall be placed in state-run military academies where they will receive:
- Superior education and training.
- Proper nutrition and medical care.
- Discipline and moral instruction.
- Preparation for future leadership roles
Section 5.3: Family Reunification Families may petition for reunification upon demonstrating their ability to provide appropriate care and environment for the child's optimal development.
ARTICLE VI: ENFORCEMENT AND PENALTIES
Section 6.1: International Cooperation All signatory nations agree to:
- Share information regarding child welfare violations.
- Cooperate in the prosecution of international child crimes.
- Provide mutual assistance in rescue and rehabilitation efforts.
- Maintain consistent standards of child protection
Section 6.2: Penalties for Violations
- Minor violations: Fines, mandatory parenting education, supervision.
- Serious violations: Imprisonment, removal of parental rights.
- Severe violations: Public execution as an example to others
Section 6.3: Rewards for Reporting Citizens who report child welfare violations shall receive monetary rewards and recognition for their service to the nation's future.
ARTICLE VII: IMPLEMENTATION
Section 7.1: Establishment of Child Protection Bureaus Each signatory nation shall establish dedicated bureaus responsible for:
- Monitoring compliance with this Act.
- Investigating reports of violations.
- Coordinating with international partners.
- Maintaining records of child welfare cases
Section 7.2: Annual Reporting Each nation shall provide annual reports detailing:
- Number of children under state protection.
- Violations prosecuted and penalties imposed
- Success rates of rehabilitation programs
- Military academy graduation statistics
SIGNATURES AND DECLARATIONS
Eastern Empire
His Imperial Majesty Emperor Xuan of the Eastern Empire
Imperial Declaration:"In the ancient realm of the East, the bloodlines of our youth carry the strength and wisdom that shall forge our empire's eternal destiny. As the morning sun awakens the mountains, so too shall these young heirs of noble heritage rise to illuminate our nation's path to unbroken glory. Let no hand harm what Heaven has blessed, for in protecting our children, we protect the very soul of our empire."
Western Federation
Chancellor Marcus Aurelius Blackthorne of the Western Federation
Federal Declaration:"The strength of our Federation lies not in our armies or our gold, but in the minds and hearts of our youth. Today we forge an unbreakable shield around our most precious resource—the next generation who will carry our democratic ideals and innovative spirit into tomorrow's challenges."
Frozen Clans of the North
High Chieftain Bjorn Icewalker, speaking for the United Clans
Clan Declaration:"By ice and storm, by blood and bone, we swear this oath: no child of the North shall know want, fear, or harm while breath remains in our bodies. The wolves protect their cubs, the ice protects the land, and we protect our future. This is the Way."
Wild Confederacy of the South
War Chief Anaconda Bloodserpent of the Wild Confederacy
Confederacy Declaration:"In the great jungles and burning deserts of our lands, the young learn strength from struggle, wisdom from the wild, and courage from danger. But let that danger come from nature's test, not from the cruelty of those who would exploit innocence. Our children are the seeds of tomorrow's jungle—we guard them fierce as the jaguar guards her den."
Sealed this day with the ancient magics of binding, witnessed by the spirits of our ancestors, and sworn before the eyes of Heaven and Earth.
May this pact endure until the stars fall from the sky and the seas turn to dust.
Historical Note: This treaty marked the first time in over two hundred years that all four great powers agreed to binding international law, demonstrating unprecedented cooperation in the face of growing concerns about the stability of the realm. While publicly presented as humanitarian legislation, classified archives suggest deeper motivations related to preparation for anticipated future conflicts.