Child soldiers : what steps can be taken to prevent the exploitation of children during armed conflict?

Abstract

The issue of children participating in armed conflict, directly and indirectly, is being analyzed more in detail by academia, international organizations and journalists. It therefore expands the awareness about the way children are exploited during warfare. This thesis touches on various topics to include the definition of a child soldier, the negative effects of children participating and experiencing conflict, the trauma experienced during and after the war. The child's role may consist of being messengers, cooks, porters, laying mines and explosives, spying and so on. Girls are recruited for combat, sexual services, and forced marriages Children are exposed to various dangers and threats; this includes the illegal use of landmines, sexual violence, the rise of HIV I AIDS, and the proliferation of small arms and light weapons. The serious problem of child soldiers and the exploitat10n of these mmors during warfare are challenging areas where the international community with the help of international law; efforts must be made to improve children's security. Legal protection is crucial to prevent children from being exploited in armed conflict. In order to assist children, legal mechanisms must be adopted, implemented and reinforced on an international scale. All children have the right to grow up in an environment that protects them from violence, exploitation, abuse and discrimination.