Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What are child soldiers?
A. According to the Paris Principles on the Involvement of Children in Armed Conflict, (https://childrenandarmedconflict.un.org/our-work/paris-principles) the definition is, "Child soldiers are any children under the age of 18 who are recruited by a state or non-state armed group and used as fighters, cooks, suicide bombers, human shields, messengers, spies, or for sexual purposes." Many children are taken out of their homes and forced into battle, but some do still . Most of these children are raised in poor, developing countries or in live combat zones.
Q. Where are child soldiers used today?
A. We see the highest amount of child soldiers in underdeveloped countries or live battle zones. The children either serve nationally for the government, some element of state security, state-allied armed groups, or armed opposition groups. For a full list of countries that still actively use child soldiers, click the link below.
A. According to the Paris Principles on the Involvement of Children in Armed Conflict, (https://childrenandarmedconflict.un.org/our-work/paris-principles) the definition is, "Child soldiers are any children under the age of 18 who are recruited by a state or non-state armed group and used as fighters, cooks, suicide bombers, human shields, messengers, spies, or for sexual purposes." Many children are taken out of their homes and forced into battle, but some do still . Most of these children are raised in poor, developing countries or in live combat zones.
Q. Where are child soldiers used today?
A. We see the highest amount of child soldiers in underdeveloped countries or live battle zones. The children either serve nationally for the government, some element of state security, state-allied armed groups, or armed opposition groups. For a full list of countries that still actively use child soldiers, click the link below.
Q. What types of weapons do child soldiers use - and how?
A. Thanks to new and improved technology. guns and assault rifles have been made easier to handle. They are also much easier to obtain. Although we don't have the information of every weapon child soldiers know. we do have an understanding that children on the battlefront in Africa are using mainly AK47 Kalashnikov, M17's and SA80 assault rifles. These weapons are much more lightweight and also easier to fire.
Q. Can girls be used as child soldiers?
A. Yes, girls have always been recruited into child soldier groups, although they are mostly found in non-government groups. They are used in similar tasks and missions as boys. Girls who are recruited have a very high chance of being sexually assaulted and/or being victims of sex trafficking.
Q. How do children end up in these militias?
A. Many children are plucked from their beds at night and taken away, never to see their family again - unless they are first forced to kill their family as an act of initiation. Sadly, many children actually volunteer to join, although motives are always unknown. Many parents will offer their children up to the militia or turn them in, hoping their child will get a better future.