<
https://theconversation.com/i-was-a-child-soldier-heres-what-itll-take-to-protect-young-lives-in-conflict-zones-245517>
"The use of child soldiers is a profound human tragedy that continues to scar
generations across the world.
According to the United Nations, over the years, thousands of children, some as
young as six years old, have been manipulated, indoctrinated and coerced into
joining armed groups.
Many of these children have fought against peacekeeping troops in Liberia,
Rwanda, Sierra Leone, the Democratic Republic of Congo and US-led coalition
soldiers in Afghanistan, Iraq and Somalia.
The devastating effect of this grave, yet persistent, tragedy extends beyond
the individual child. It tears communities and families apart and leaves
generations scarred with the trauma of war long after the guns fall silent.
International agreements like the
Optional protocol on the involvement of
children in armed conflict, the Paris principles and commitments, the Rome
statute and the Cape Town principles have condemned the practice. They provided
legal and practical pathways to stop the use of child soldiers.
Intervention campaigns like
Child Soldiers International, the
Children, Not
Soldiers campaign, and the
Kony 2012 campaign were launched to combat
unlawful recruitment. They also raise awareness to protect child combatants in
conflict regions.
The International Criminal Court has held trials and convicted warlords
responsible for the abduction and arming of children.
The United Nations has published a list to “shame” governments and non-state
actors that enlist minors in their armies.
Despite these efforts, the problem persists as governments and insurgent groups
recruit minors in various regions of the world."
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
