Child Soldiers
Thousands of children are serving as soldiers in armed conflicts around the world. These boys and girls, some as young as 8 years old, serve in government forces and armed opposition groups. They may fight on the front lines, participate in suicide missions, and act as spies, messengers, or lookouts. Girls may be forced into sexual slavery. Many are abducted or recruited by force, while others join out of desperation, believing that armed groups offer their best chance for survival. We are working to prevent the use of child soldiers and to hold accountable the people who send children to fight.
Videos
Videos-
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Kurdistan Region of Iraq: Detained Children Tortured
Beatings, Electric Shock to Coerce ISIS Confessions
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Yemen: Key Concerns for Hodeida Battle
Poor Record of Coalition and Houthi Indiscriminate Attacks and Aid Restrictions
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South Sudan: Warring Parties Break Promises on Child Soldiers
UN, AU Need to Impose Sanctions, Get Court Running
News
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Houthis Commit to End Violations Against Children in Yemen
Pledge Comes Amidst Ceasefire in Prolonged Conflict
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Mozambique: ISIS-linked Group Using Child Soldiers
Children Trained to Fight, Deployed Against Government Forces
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Afghanistan: Children Detained, Tortured for Insurgent Links
Government, UN, Donors Should Ensure Reintegration
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Africa: Prioritize Education to Safeguard Children’s Rights
Guarantee Free Education for All; Tackle Abuses
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How to Hold a Former Child Soldier Accountable?
Dominic Ongwen, Kidnapped by the LRA at Age 10, to Face ICC Judgment
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Record Number of Countries on US Child Soldier Blacklist
14 Governments Face Possible Military Sanctions
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Stop Backsliding on Use of Child Soldiers
Treaty’s 20th Anniversary Shows Uneven Progress, Need for Improvement
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