Did you know...
There are 300,000 children around the world currently engaged in armed combat.
Why is this happening?
Children in war torn countries are vulnerable and can be easily manipulated.
Many have lost their parents and families as a result of the wars.
Kids are tenacious and daring in battle (compared to adults who understand the risk to their lives). They are a free and a readily available commodity in poorer countries
Where is this happening?
Afghanistan, Burundi, Central African Republic, Chad, Colombia, Democratic Republic of Congo, Iraq, Israel, Palestine, Philippines, Somalia, Sri-Lanka, Sudan, Thailand, Liberia, Nepal, Myanmar and Uganda
From the mouths of babes...
Check out some stories of former child soldiers at:
http://www.amnestyusa.org/our-work/issues/children-s-rights/child-soldiers/stories-from-children-associated-with-fighting-forces
- Some of these children are as young as 7 years old.
- A further half a million kids are serving in armed forces not yet ravaged by war.
- Most of these children have been abducted from their families and forced to carry arms.
- Some of these kids are even made to kill their families.
- Many child soldiers are often females and all too often face gender specific issues like rape and torture.
- Female child soldiers are forced into becoming "wives" of army leaders and are coerced into providing and trading sexual favours...
Why is this happening?
Children in war torn countries are vulnerable and can be easily manipulated.
Many have lost their parents and families as a result of the wars.
Kids are tenacious and daring in battle (compared to adults who understand the risk to their lives). They are a free and a readily available commodity in poorer countries
Where is this happening?
Afghanistan, Burundi, Central African Republic, Chad, Colombia, Democratic Republic of Congo, Iraq, Israel, Palestine, Philippines, Somalia, Sri-Lanka, Sudan, Thailand, Liberia, Nepal, Myanmar and Uganda
From the mouths of babes...
Check out some stories of former child soldiers at:
http://www.amnestyusa.org/our-work/issues/children-s-rights/child-soldiers/stories-from-children-associated-with-fighting-forces