Press Kit

The Roméo Dallaire Child Soldiers Initiative is progressively ending the use of child soldiers through a security sector approach, combining world-class research, high-level advocacy, and prevention-focused training.

This press kit will give you the resources on the leadership of the Dallaire Initiative, our work and latest opinions on issues related to children affected by armed conflict.

CAAC Fact Sheet

This fact sheet provides all the key definitions and concepts to understand how the Dallaire Initiative recognizes the issue of child soldiers.

If you don’t see a response for a question you have, please contact the Roméo Dallaire Child Soldiers Initiative’s Research Officer, Dustin Johnson, at

About the Dallaire Initiative

Check out just some of the frequently asked questions of the Dallaire Initiative and its work.

If you don’t see a response for the question you have, please contact the Roméo Dallaire Child Soldiers Initiative’s Communications Officer, Amara Bangura, at

Interview Requests

The Dallaire Initiative are leading experts on issues of child soldiers and more broadly children affected by armed conflict. As thought-leaders, we provide nuanced and innovative insights on these issues.

Please note that we normally take 24-48 hours to respond to most requests.

Our Leadership

Biographies

Founder

LGen Roméo Dallaire (Ret’d)

Short Bio

Roméo Dallaire is a retired lieutenant-general, retired Canadian Senator, and celebrated humanitarian. In 1993, LGen Dallaire was appointed Force Commander for UNAMIR, where he bore witness to the Rwandan genocide.

Since his retirement, he has become an outspoken advocate for human rights, mental health and war-affected children. He founded the Roméo Dallaire Child Soldiers Initiative, an organization committed to progressively preventing and ending the use of child soldiers worldwide.

How to Refer to LGen the Hon. Roméo Dallaire (full)

“…retired lieutenant-general the Honourable Roméo Dallaire…” in its first appearance.

“General Dallaire” in all appearances thereafter.

How to Refer to LGen Hon. Roméo Dallaire (Ret’d) (short)

LGen the Hon. Roméo Dallaire (Ret’d) in its first appearance

LGen Dallaire or General Dallaire in all appearances thereafter

Executive Director

Dr. Shelly Whitman

Short Bio

Dr. Shelly Whitman is the Executive Director of the Roméo Dallaire Child Soldiers Initiative. Dr. Whitman has an extensive career as an academic, teaching in International Development Studies and Political Science at Dalhousie University, Saint Mary’s University and the University of Botswana. Her research interests have been broadly focused on issues related to peace, development and human security.

How to refer to Dr. Shelly Whitman (long)

“…Executive Director of The Roméo Dallaire Child Soldiers Initiative or Executive Director Dr. Shelly Whitman…” in its first appearance.

“…Dr. Whitman…” in all appearances thereafter.

How to refer to Dr. Shelly Whitman (short)

“…Dr. Shelly Whitman…” in its first appearance.

“…Dr. Whitman…” in all appearances thereafter.

Media Inquiries

Submit a Request

Media Requests

Please be advised that we normally take 12-24 hours to respond to media requests.

If your request concerns breaking news or require a reply faster than 12-24 hours please call Amara Bangura, Communications Officer directly at +1 (902) 494 7853 (office).

Location and Timezone

Please be advised that we are located in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada UTC/GMT -4.

For international journalists, we have access to a number of studios including CBC, Global and CTV which can be coordinated with for in-studio and broadcast interviews.