According to UNICEF:
“A ‘child solider’ is defined as any child- boy or girl- under 18 years of age, who is part of any kind of regular or irregular armed force or armed group in any capacity, including, but not limited to: cooks, porters, messengers, and anyone accompanying such groups other than family members. It includes girls and boys recruited for sexual purposes and/or forced marriage. The definition, therefore, does not only refer to a child who is carrying, or has carried weapons” (Cape Town Principals, 1997)
Today there are approximately 300,000 child soldiers fighting in armed conflict
Child soldiers are under the age of 18
Children are used as soldiers because they are easily manipulated and are too young to understand their actions
Child soldiers use AK-47s, M-16s and grenades because they are easy to use
Orphans and refugees sometimes see their only hope for survival is by joining a militia
Child soldiers are used to clear landmines and as human shields
Child soldiers are often given drugs to help them cope with their emotions, making it easier for them to kill
Girl soldiers are often used as domestic slaves
Child soldiers carry supplies and act as messengers, cooks and lookouts
Child soldiers are sometimes forced to commit atrocities against their own families and villages
Many child soldiers are not welcome back home after a conflict ends because of cultural superstition
Children are the victims of conflict after witnessing or participating in murder and rape, become disabled, homeless or psychologically traumatized