Child Soldiers Essay Example

and frustration, leaving them with few alternatives other than participating in combat.

When schools are closed and families fragmented, the impact of a warrior's life becomes prominent. The violations of human rights that occur when children are involved in hostilities extend beyond child soldiers killing or being killed or injured. Girls also become victims of rape and other forms of sexual abuse as they are used as soldiers. These devastating human rights impacts have far-reaching consequences for not only the children but also their families and communities, persisting long after the hostilities have ceased.

In Africa, there is a high rate of girls entering armed groups through abduction or coercion, making it the continent with the largest number of children in armed opposition forces, estimated at 120,000. Additionally, girl soldiers often have to provide sexual services alongside their combat participation.

In Sierra Leone and Liberia, young girls are often coerced or abducted to become 'wives' or 'concubines'. This practice is prevalent worldwide, where female child soldiers are used in various roles such as porters, cooks, and performing domestic chores. They may also be assigned tasks like spying and looting in villages seized by armed forces or opposition groups.

Reasons for children becoming child soldiers

The reasons behind children's involvement in warfare are complex. There isn't a single model that can fully explain the factors contributing to child recruitment or provide a standardized procedure for prevention. Additionally, effectively demobilizing and reintegrating children who have participated in conflict requires a comprehensive approach.

Child soldiers are often recruited from impoverished or disadvantaged backgrounds in conflict areas, particularly if they have no family or their families have been disrupted. In Liberia, child soldiers

were frequently recruited from refugee camps in neighboring countries (such as Guinea, Ivory Coast, and Sierra Leone) and internally displaced camps within Liberia itself. After UNMIL was deployed on October 1, 2003, assessment missions by UNMIL and humanitarian agencies discovered a significant number of injured individuals resulting from the widespread use of child soldiers, primarily children. The proliferation of small arms in West Africa has greatly contributed to ongoing conflicts and the repeated failure of peace agreements in the region. This proliferation has also made it easier to recruit and deploy child soldiers along with other severe human rights violations against civilians.

The accessibility of modern lightweight weapons allows even young child soldiers to effectively use them. Technological advancements in arms have led to the development of affordable yet highly advanced weapons that weigh less than seven pounds. Even an illiterate ten-year-old child can handle these weapons by stripping, reassembling, loading, and firing them. However, possessing this knowledge does not make them skilled soldiers. In fact, their immaturity and lack of experience result in higher casualty rates compared to adult soldiers as they often take unnecessary risks. Moreover, their fragile bodies are more susceptible to complications from injuries and they are prone to falling ill in the harsh conditions of military camps. Due to being considered more dispensable, child soldiers receive less training and are assigned to dangerous tasks like mine detection or spying on enemy camps.

Children are often recruited through abduction, which occurs in various locations such as homes, schools, refugee camps, internally displaced camps, and streets. Sometimes, child survivors of village raids and massacres are forcefully taken. Abduction is the initial phase in a

process that involves instilling fear, brutality, and psychological manipulation to ensure that children become obedient killers. In numerous conflicts, child recruits experience beatings, humiliation, and acts of sadism.

Child recruitment during the escalation of the conflict in Monrovia in June and July 2003 was rampant, as all sides forcefully enlisted children. A prevalent tactic used to familiarize these children with violence was gradually exposing them to cruel acts, desensitizing them for potential engagement in brutality towards others. In Liberia, child recruits were compelled to slit the throats of domestic animals and consume their blood. These children live under constant terror, fearing for their lives and safety. They quickly comprehend that unwavering obedience is their sole means of survival.

Children are sometimes forced to take part in killing other children or family members. Armed groups claim that once children are involved in these acts, they can never return home. Some armed groups use child recruitment as a strategy for warfare. However, not all cases of child enlistment are against their will. Older children who comprehend the reasons behind the conflict willingly join adults in a cause they respect.

Some children join rebel groups in order to seek revenge for the murder of their family members, while others participate to prove themselves and please adults. In Liberia, there have been cases where children have joined rebel groups to avenge the killing of their kin. Media images, such as Rambo-style movies broadcasted by opposition forces, may also influence children. These images contribute to the notion that military activity is associated with power and respect, which can be appealing to children who feel powerless in other aspects of their lives.

The implementation

of the Liberian peace agreement and consolidation of peace, security and the rule of law were dependent on the successful completion of the DDRR program. All other initiatives aimed at post-conflict reconstruction and restoration of basic human rights, including those of child soldiers, are based on the effectiveness of DDRR. It is crucial to completely disarm fighters and destroy weapons to prevent ex-combatants from using them to harass civilians, loot properties, or attack their opponents. Any further delays in disarmament, demobilization, and provision of financial incentives to former combatants can worsen an already unstable security situation.

In March 2004, fighters linked to MODEL in Tapeta, Nimba County, threatened to disrupt international humanitarian agencies as a result of delays. In a similar vein, ex-government forces fired guns at Maimu internally displaced people's camp in Totota, Bong County during nighttime and declared their intention to pillage the camp if disarmament and demobilization were further delayed. At the start of April 2004, LURD fighters also expressed frustration over the postponement of disarmament and demobilization and reportedly mistreated civilians, pilfered money and belongings at unofficial checkpoints on the route between Totota and Gbarnga. The prior disarmament and demobilization process in Liberia during the late 1990s proved inadequate in reintegrating former child soldiers into their families and communities. Despite an estimated 20,000 child soldiers involved in the conflict that concluded in 1997, only approximately 4,000 underwent complete disarming, demobilizing, and reintegration into their communities. Consequently, with hostilities resuming rapidly after that period due to many children still being under local commanders' control.

The Cape Town Principles, supported by UNICEF, describe a child soldier as any person under 18 years old who is

part of an armed force, whether regular or irregular. This includes individuals in various roles such as cooks, porters, and messengers, as well as those accompanying such groups (excluding family members). The definition also covers girls who are recruited for sexual exploitation and forced marriage. Applying this comprehensive definition is crucial because a child soldier can benefit from the Disarmament, Demobilization, and Reintegration and Rehabilitation (DDRR) process even without carrying weapons. In Liberia, only possession of a weapon or ammunition qualified one to participate in the DDRR process. As a result, many former child soldiers who were unarmed or not directly involved in combat were excluded from the process and thus did not receive the financial assistance provided to reintegrate into society.

The exclusion of individuals from the DDRR program led to their migration to neighboring countries, especially Ivory Coast, and their enlistment in other armed roles within rebel groups. Consequently, a continuous cycle of conflict emerged in West Africa, with child soldiers frequently transitioning between various rebel groups as part of their lifestyle. This has resulted in an ongoing shift of conflicts across different countries in this region. Governments and international organizations engaged in the DDRR process should prioritize expeditious registration procedures at camps, settlements, and demobilization centers. Furthermore, immediate attention should be given to rehabilitating former child soldiers by addressing their psychological, social, and physical well-being as a means of preventing further recruitment. The involvement of children in warfare has severe implications for both their physical and mental health.

Children are at a higher risk of physical harm or death in combat because they lack experience, are fearless, and have inadequate training. They also face

more difficulties in military life, especially in remote areas, and are more prone to illnesses and malnutrition. The psychological effects of participating in conflicts, including witnessing and possibly committing atrocities, may only fully manifest after a long time. While the abduction and forced recruitment of children into armed groups happens quickly, it takes years for former child soldiers to undergo thorough rehabilitation and successfully reintegrate into their families and communities.

Child soldiers in Liberia were exploited because they were seen as cheap and disposable, and because they could be easily trained to follow orders and kill without question. Those who refused or disobeyed faced the threat of violence or death. Both rebel groups and government forces abducted children, boys and girls as young as seven, forcing them into combat or assigning them other roles such as cooking or carrying weapons. Girls also endured sexual abuse and were forced into prostitution. Older girls directly participated in warfare while younger girls served as domestic helpers, performing tasks like cooking, cleaning, and transporting weapons.

Child soldiers were frequently given drugs and alcohol to increase aggression and decrease fear, even though they had no military training. As a result, they were quickly sent to the front lines, causing many casualties and injuries. The illegal trade of Gold and Diamonds prolonged the Liberian conflict for 14 years, forcing many civilians to flee their homes. Additionally, child soldiers from nearby countries like Ivory Coast, Guinea, and Sierra Leone were recruited to participate in this long-lasting conflict.

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LURD forces kidnapped and forced children from internally displaced people's camps in Liberia, particularly those in Montserrado County, as they moved towards

Monrovia in 2003. They also abducted children from refugee camps in Guinea. Similarly, MODEL recruited children from refugee camps in Cote d'Ivoire and increased their numbers as they advanced towards Buchanan, Grand Bassa County, which they took control of on July 26, 2003. Additionally, there were incidents of sexual assault and other severe acts of sexual violence against children.

During times of conflict, the lack of legal regulations and prevalence of impunity often result in the rape and sexual assault of women and children. This troubling trend disproportionately affects both boys and girls. Surprisingly, some cases show that sexual violence is deliberately used as a tactic during war to degrade or eliminate specific populations or force displacement. In Liberia, there has been a concerning increase in incidents of rape and sexual violence against children.

In numerous cases, the data concerning incidents, extent, and magnitude of sexual violence lacks reliability or does not exist due to cultural taboos, victim and family fear of retaliation, and other factors. Obtaining or confirming accurate information is challenging but crucial for addressing impunity and implementing effective programs. Sexual violence seems to be particularly common in refugee camps and settlements for internally displaced communities. The impact on children is particularly severe, causing physical and psychological devastation. Additionally, these violations can include sexual slavery, forced prostitution and marriage, as well as sexual mutilation.

The victims of sexual violence suffer various long-term health consequences, including sexually transmitted infections like HIV/AIDS, fistula, early pregnancy, and severe psychological trauma. Although there are occasional reports of sexual violence against boys, this specific dimension receives insufficient attention, and such violations remain largely unrecorded. Research suggests that boys are particularly susceptible

to sexual violence during military operations in civilian areas, military conscription or abduction into paramilitary forces. They are also highly vulnerable in refugee camps, internally displaced settings, and detention facilities. Sexual violence during times of conflict, especially targeting boys and girls, violates deep social taboos across all cultures and therefore causes extensive destruction to the social fabric of communities.

Therefore, addressing the aftermath of widespread and systematic sexual violence necessitates more comprehensive interventions that focus on both the victims and the communities they belong to. The stigmatization of victims often results in them being ostracized or marginalized, so it is crucial to implement community-level interventions for affected girls and boys. Fighting impunity for rape and sexual violence requires rigorous investigation and prosecution of such crimes at the national level, along with increased attention from international justice mechanisms. Additionally, comprehensive initiatives at the national level are needed to tackle the issue of sexual violence, and it is vital for the country to take ownership of these programs.

Priority should be given by donors, the United Nations system, and non-governmental organizations to providing technical and financial support to national authorities for the preparation and implementation of national strategies to address sexual violence. The conflict in Liberia had a regional dimension involving neighboring countries such as Cote d'Ivoire, Guinea, and Sierra Leone, as arms and fighters crossed borders. Maintaining peace in Liberia is crucial for peace in West Africa, and any increase in hostilities across Liberia's borders could undermine peace efforts. To restore peace and security to West Africa, a coordinated approach is necessary across the region, including harmonizing UN efforts of UNMIL, UNAMSIL, and MINUCI.

Dialogue on cross boarder

recruitment and use of children has paved the way for broader child protection discussions. This has allowed child protection actors in the field to focus on other priorities such as education and healthcare for ex-child soldiers. Liberia ratified the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child in 1993 but failed to uphold fundamental rights for Liberian children in the subsequent decade. The UN Committee on the Rights of the Child will review Liberia's report on implementing its obligations under the Convention during its thirty-sixth session starting May 17, 2004. This review provides an important opportunity to raise awareness about Liberia's children and explore ways to strengthen the implementation of their rights. The Committee's concluding observations, which usually include positive aspects, obstacles to implementation, areas of concern, and recommendations, will be adopted based on this report.

The concluding observations offer an opportunity to call on the NTGL to take concrete actions in improving the conditions for children in Liberia. At the same time, it encourages the international community to support the efforts of the NTGL in fulfilling its commitments. On November 10, 2003, the report of the UN Secretary-General on children and armed conflict specifically recommends that the Committee utilize country reports and reviews to promote monitoring and accountability. One of the responsibilities of the NTGL is to put an end to the recruitment and use of child soldiers, as mandated by the Convention on the Rights of the Child. The creation of a new, professional, and well-trained army was an important aspect of post-conflict reconstruction in Liberia.

The peace agreement explicitly stated that all irregular forces would be disbanded and the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL)

would undergo reform with a new command structure. To achieve this, assistance was sought from various international organizations including the UN, the African Union, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), and the International Contact Group on Liberia. The agreement specifically requested that the United States take the lead in restructuring the armed forces. To oversee this process, a Military Advisory Commission was established in early 2004, with the goal of deploying the newly structured armed forces by the end of December 2005. This presented an important opportunity for the National Transitional Government of Liberia (NTGL) to implement measures to prevent recruitment of children under 18 into the armed forces. Liberia has signed but not yet ratified the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child.

Liberia should promptly ratify the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the involvement of children in armed conflict, which sets the minimum age for participation in hostilities at 18 years. Additionally, Liberia should pass laws that establish 18 years as the minimum age for military recruitment.

Conclusion

It is well-known that during times of war, meeting basic survival needs takes priority over psychological needs. However, there is growing concern about the detrimental effects of war experiences on children, not only on their psychological well-being but also on their social skills, attitudes towards society, relationships with others, and outlook on life itself. It is disheartening to see children witnessing their role models – parents, teachers, or elders – torture and kill each other, while some even trade their own children for food and safety. These actions by authoritative figures betray

the expected moral standards of behavior and are interpreted by children as acts of betrayal, which they then internalize as they grow older.

The forms of these manifestations can vary greatly. Research has indicated that school absenteeism and juvenile crimes, as well as attitudes supporting gambling, pre-marital sex, and smoking, could be signs of altered moral learning in children. Additionally, acts of physical aggression, imitation of military actions, and a lack of willingness to cooperate with peers are indicators of developmental damage. The effects of war on children can persist long after it is over. They may experience a numbing or reduced engagement with the external world, demonstrated by a significant decrease in interest in activities and surroundings, feelings of detachment or estrangement from others, or a loss of energy leading to withdrawal.

The negative effects on a child's development can impact their future career choices and relationships. Poverty is the main driver behind the prevalence of child soldiers in many countries. It is crucial for the international community to examine the flaws in the global economy. The economic gap between developed and developing nations must be addressed, as it is these desperate economic conditions that lead to the recruitment of innocent children as soldiers. Improving living standards is essential in order to combat the issue of child recruitment. Perhaps there is still hope for these unfortunate children who suffer due to the irresponsibility of adults.

On July 17, 1998, a mechanism for international accountability was drafted and made available for signatures one year later. Nonetheless, similar to other United Nations treaties, it can only be implemented with the involvement of all parties.