Why are child soldiers used instead of adults?

Many children are forced to join military groups at a young age. Child soldiers are also easier to manipulate and force into conflict. Recruiters typically target children from troubled areas or conflict zones, likely accustomed to violence and with fewer educational or work opportunities.

Why is child soldiers a problem?

Regardless of how children are recruited and of their roles, child soldiers are victims, whose participation in conflict bears serious implications for their physical and emotional well-being. They are commonly subject to abuse and most of them witness death, killing, and sexual violence.

What is the impact of child soldiers?

Child soldiers are more often killed or injured than adult soldiers on the front line. They are less costly for the respective group or organization than adult recruits, because they receive fewer resources, including less and smaller weapons and equipment.

Why did people start using child soldiers?

Being poor, displaced, separated from their families or living in a combat zone can make children particularly vulnerable to being recruited. Armed groups target children for several reasons. They are easier to manipulate, they don’t need much food and they don’t have a highly developed sense of danger.

What percent of child soldiers are forced?

The rough trend line seems to be that nearly two out of every three child soldiers have some sort of initiative in their own recruitment. For example, estimates are that 40 percent of the FARC’s child soldiers are forced into service, and 60 percent joined of their own volition.

How does the US respond to child soldiers?

The U.S. Response Through the Child Soldiers Prevention Act (CSPA), the United States implemented national legislation to prohibit arms transfers and military training to countries identified by the State Department as having recruited and used child soldiers in national militaries or government-supported armed groups.

How are child soldiers treated?

Human Rights Watch investigations have also found that child recruits are often forced to physically punish and kill other soldiers, including children, accused of desertion and other crimes. Child soldiers who refuse to comply with orders may be severely beaten or threatened with execution.