More than 50 FGCU students painted their hands red Friday, Feb. 12 in an effort to draw attention to the children who are forced into combat in wars around the world.
The FGCU chapter of Amnesty International, a nonprofit organization that advocates for human rights internationally, held Red Hand Day 2016 on campus.
RHD is an annual commemoration day where several organizations in the world advocate against the use of child soldiers. The red paint signifies the bloodshed.
“I think a lot of us here aren’t aware of the issues that are going on or haven’t really been exposed to that,” said Sissi Jensen, a freshman political science major and a member of Amnesty International on campus. “Just talking about it is very important.”
Jensen, who ran the Red Hand Day event, said a lot of the participants were exposed to the issue for the first time during the event.  
“A lot of them said, ‘what do you mean child soldiers?’” Jensen said. “What is that?’ So, being able to have conversations with them, you kind of open their eyes. And even myself, I wasn’t aware about the issue before I joined Amnesty International.”
The RSO tabled on the Library Lawn from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and provided paint and paper to anyone who wished to participate. Students stamped their hand and wrote their name above the handprint. All handprints will be hung in a banner on campus.