AN EXAMINATION ON THE USE OF CHILD SOLDIERS DURING ARMED CONFLICT

ABSTRACT

The use of child soldiers in armed conflicts is qualified as one of the worst forms of labour and concerns individuals that are under the age of 18, some of whom are much younger, in most cases young females. This research work discusses the use or recruitment of children during armed conflicts, it explores the factors that lead children that became child soldiers. This research work shows child recruitment as a crime within the ICC’s jurisdiction whether committed in an international or a non-international armed conflict. This research also considered various laws under International Law and International Humanitarian Law on the prohibition of the recruitment or use of child soldiers as combatants and states it as a war crime. This research work shows the effects, issues, consequences, challenges faced by the recruited children and tries to find a way how recruitment of child soldiers might be stopped. It follows these child soldiers from life within the armed group and as a combatant, to life upon leaving the armed group, where these children enter rehabilitation centers, and finally seek reintegration back into the society. There are a variety of international legal standards which, at first glance, seem to give some direction and guidance in the protection of child soldiers. Suggestions and recommendations are given, hopefully to add emphasis on the fact that the international community needs to change the way it views child soldiers and the society needs to be more involved in issues pertaining to child soldiers.