Dear Activist,

Steering away from our last article, this week’s piece focuses on an issue that is not prevalent in the media. It is an issue that plagues children’s lives and hinders their emotional and physical growth; it is the issue of child soldiers. By definition, child soldiers are people who are recruited or used by armed forces in any way, shape, or form. These soldiers are below the age of 18 and some are as young as eight years old. As children are easy to manipulate and do not require a lot of food, they are in high demand among warring parties.

According to UNICEF, these children suffer from “extensive forms of exploitation and abuse.” Children are not only fighters, but “scouts, cooks, porters, guards, messengers and more.” Additionally, girls account for 10 to 30 percent of child soldiers. These girls are likely to face gender-based violence through their enlistment in war. Many are obtained through abduction or force, and some may fall into sexual slavery afterwards.

The reasons children become soldiers vary. While some are recruited by force, through abduction, threats, or coercion, others choose to join; UNICEF states that poverty and social pressures act as incentives for children to join these armies. At times, children become a part of these forces to aid their families and protect their communities.

In several circumstances, children have a difficult time transitioning back to their home environment post-war. While some are outright rejected by society when they return, others face psychological issues that make it harder to fit in. According to UNICEF, those issues “make it difficult for children to process and verbalize their experiences.”

Child Soldiers Around the World

Their World states that there are an “estimated 250,000 child soldiers in the world today in at least 20 countries”. Between 2005 and 2018 alone, 65,081 children were recruited and used by armed forces and groups, claims Save the Children. They insist that the “actual numbers are likely much higher – as many as hundreds of thousands of children.”

Currently, 50 countries allow children to take part in war and several non-state armed groups also enlist children. Some of the countries include Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria, Yemen, Colombia, and India, who announced their use of child soldiers in 2011.

Save the Children notes that, since 2010, there has been “a staggering 170% rise in the number of reported grave violations committed against children in conflict.” This percentage includes an increase in child soldiers, who may be abducted, abused, or killed. The organization states that “children in conflict are more at risk of harm now than at any time in recorded history.”

A CNN article tells the stories of ex-child soldiers in Yemen. One of those children, 13-year-old Younis, was abducted by a rebel group and forced to fight. Learning how to use a machine gun, watching people get killed, and becoming injured in war should not be customary for anyone his age. Additionally, Younis reflects on his fear and anxiety from the war that seeps into his present mental state.

Activate Change

Child soldiers are robbed of innocence, an education, and a secure mental state. While the use of child soldiers seems absurd, it is prevalent across the world. This is real. This is what life is like for the 250,000 children who fight in war. It is our moral obligation to not only recognize this injustice, but speak on it. In fact, we must go the extra mile and demand change for those children. It is not close to enough to rely on others for change. You must initiate the movement yourself.

• Support vulnerable children through the Raw Hope initiative. It provides children and families under the threat of exploitation with several essential items.
• Sponsor a child! World Vision works towards ending the cycle of poverty with your help. By sponsoring a child, you are ensuring that these children have brighter futures.
• Visit War Child’s “Get Involved” page frequently to see if there are open volunteer or leadership positions on their team.
• Spread awareness on all platforms. This issue is not prevalent in the media, and it is our responsibility to educate others. Repost articles, put together posts, and share stories to get on people’s radar.
• Donate to War Child and other organizations working towards ending use of child soldiers. You can make one-time or monthly donations through their website.
• Read this 2002 OHCHR Protocol to gain more knowledge on this issue.

You have the opportunity to push for international change. This is an issue that cuts across countries and continents, and it is up to us to use our voices. You are fighting for the young girl who is sexually exploited; you are preventing more children from being injured in war; you are guaranteeing a child a future.

Cordially,

Nika Tarkian