Child Soldiers - The Devestating Truth PDF

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Child Soldiers The Devastating Truth
Hailey Marais
Ms. Aylesworth
May 15th, 2017
Global Perspectives
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Table of Contents
Summary of Research Methods .Pg. 3
Definition ...Pg. 4
Significance Pg. 6
Background .Pg. 11
Expert ..Pg. 15
Role of Control ...Pg. 19
Role of Religion ..Pg. 22
Logic of Evil ...Pg. 23
Case Studies
Introduction. Pg. 25
The Democratic Republic of the Congo .Pg. 26
The Philippines ...Pg. 30
Colombia Pg. 33
International Organizations Pg. 36
Canadian Connection ..Pg. 40
Solutions .Pg. 43
Conclusion ..Pg. 44
Appendix .Pg. 45
Bibliography ...Pg. 48
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Summary of Research Methods
This report is focused on information on the recruitment of child soldiers for use
in armed conflict. All sources used to obtain information on this topic are legitimate and
reliable, including material published by organizations such as UNICEF, the Government
of Canada, Child Soldiers International and Invisible Children. A variety of different
media sources were used to collect information for this issue-based report, including
websites of international and non-governmental organizations, PDF files and YouTube
videos. YouTube videos were especially informative and occasionally difficult to watch,
providing viewers with valuable information accompanied by emotion provoking images,
video clips and interviews of child soldiers.
The topic of this Independent Study Unit was inspired by a guest speaker who
was a former child soldier from Sierra Leone. Ishmael Beah had been recruited into the
civil war in Sierra Leone at the young age of 13. He is among one of the more fortunate
child soldiers who was lucky enough to escape from the armed group with the help of
UNICEF.1 Beah courageously uses his experience as a way to inform others on the global
issue of child soldiers through public speeches telling of his story and personal
encounters as a child soldier. Upon attending one of his speeches held at Terry Fox
Elementary School, many of the intermediate students were left speechless and utterly
shocked to hear that this was an ongoing issue today. It sparked interest in many and
forced them to seriously reflect upon how fortunate they were to be living the privileged
lives they were. The information presented in Ishmael Beahs speech served as important
background knowledge on this specific topic, providing reliable details explaining how
children are recruited, how their rights are violated, the ways in which they are treated,
tortured and abused and their overall living conditions. Beahs speech was simply life
changing and had the power to completely open the eyes of all who attended, causing
them to become aware of the horrific things these poor, innocent children are being put
through in nations all over the world.
1
Advocate for Children Affected by War. (2012, May 25). Retrieved March 1, 2017, from
https://www.unicef.org/people/people_47890.html
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Definition
A child soldier can be defined as anyone under the age of eighteen that is
recruited for military purposes. 2 These innocent childrens lives are stolen from them at a
very young age and they are forced to experience and do things that would be
unimaginable to a person of any age. In 2003, the number of child soldiers increased so
drastically in the Democratic Republic of Congo that the fighting forces were described
as armies of children. Today, there are children involved in almost every major armed
conflict occurring in the world. 3
Both young boys and girls are recruited as child soldiers. Although many are
kidnapped, beaten and taken against their will, there are also children that make their own
choice to join a military organization. Most make this decision as they see joining an
armed force or rebel group as a way to escape their lives in poverty, to compensate for
the loss of family or lack of education and for protection.4 It is devastating to think that
these innocent young children are desperate enough to escape their living situations that
they will voluntarily join an armed force where they will be exposed to horrific things.
Many child soldiers are involved in direct combat, witnessing and taking part in
an astonishing amount of killing and abuse, often leading to detrimental psychological
effects. It is undeniably wrong to force a child, or a person of any age, to end the life of
another human being, but unfortunately this is what child soldiers have been raised to do.
They are often used in the front lines, sent into the minefields ahead of the older troops
and take part in many suicide missions. Some child soldiers are also forced to kill their
families and people in their communities to ensure that they have nowhere to escape to.5
The effects that this can have on a young individual are completely devastating. The
majority of people cannot even begin to imagine being responsible for killing one of their
2
Who are child soldiers? (n.d.). Retrieved March 1, 2017, from https://www.child-soldiers.org/who-are-child-soldiers
3
Becker, J. (2005). Child Soldiers: Changing a Culture of Violence. Human Rights, 32(1), 16-18. Retrieved from
http://www.jstor.org/stable/27880465
4
Who are child soldiers? (n.d.). Retrieved March 2, 2017, from https://www.child-soldiers.org/who-are-child-soldiers
5
Facts About Child Soldiers. (2015, April 17). Retrieved March 2, 2017, from https://www.hrw.org/news/2008/12/03/facts-about-
child-soldiers
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family members or one of their closest friends. The guilt and self-hatred that these child
soldiers live with following such an event is unimaginable. Not only are child soldiers
used in direct combat, but many children are also used as cooks, porters, messengers,
informants and spies. In addition, they are exposed to sexual abuse, both by their
commanders and other children in their military groups. 6 These children are put through
horrific things that no child, or anyone, should have to experience.
Children involved in armed conflict are treated in the poorest of conditions. These
easily intimidated young soldiers are beaten, whipped, caned, and tied up with rope or
chains for days as a form of punishment. Their commanders will often supply them with
marijuana, cocaine and opiates that allow them to be brave and minimize their fear of
participating in combat. In an initiation ceremony, a child soldier may be forced to
observe or commit abuses and killings to make them less sensitive to violence. Many are
coerced to follow orders with the threat of severe punishment or death hanging over their
heads. Human Rights Watch investigations have also discovered that these children are
compelled to physically discipline or murder other soldiers, including children, who have
been found guilty of trying to escape along with other crimes:
All 249 people had to beat him on the buttocks and the back of his thighs with a
green bamboo. I felt pity on my friend so I hit him lightly, and the NCO came and
said, "Don't hit like that, hit like this" and hit me, and then made me hit my friend
again. [] After the beating the NCOs carried him to the barracks with his legs
still in the stocks, and laid him on the cement floor without a mat. He died that
night. His name was Thet Naing Soe, he was 18. After that the NCOs said, "If you
run away we'll do the same to you." 7
This strategically instills fear within the children and informs them of what their future
could hold if they fail to obey commands, preventing them from trying to escape. It is
unquestionably inequitable to force young children to abuse another individual to the
point of death. These child soldiers are hardened by experiences similar to this. Their
6
Child Recruitment and Use Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict. (n.d.).
Retrieved March 3, 2017, from https://childrenandarmedconflict.un.org/effects-of-conflict/six-grave-violations/child-soldiers/
7
Coercion and Intimidation of Child Soldiers to Participate in Violence. (2009, July 05). Retrieved March 3, 2017, from
https://www.hrw.org/news/2008/04/16/coercion-and-intimidation-child-soldiers-participate-violence
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unique personalities are stripped away from them and replaced with a sense of complete
hollowness, preventing them from clearly seeing the difference between what is right and
what is wrong.
The use of child soldiers is an ongoing issue in many of the worlds countries to
this day. This Independent Study Unit will take a closer look at the recruitment of
children for use in armed conflict more specifically in the Democratic Republic of
Congo, the Philippines and Colombia. Although a great amount of effort is being put
forth to set these children free and prevent them from being used as child soldiers, they
can still be found taking part in combat in these countries today.
Significance
Childhood should be carefree, playing in the sun; not living a nightmare in the darkness
of the soul Dave Pelzer
In 2003, there was estimated to have been 300 000 child soldiers being used in
armed conflict around the world. 8 Each and every one of these children had their
childhood stolen from them, as they were forced to witness the unimaginable. Today, this
is still an ongoing issue that warrants the worlds attention. The emotional and physical
effects on children being used in armed forces are devastating. The things these child
soldiers are exposed to and experience at such a young age are very likely to affect them
for the rest of their lives, if they are lucky enough to make it out alive. Studies have
shown that many children who have been rehabilitated suffer from severe anxiety and
depression. They are often unable to distinguish between what is right and wrong, as they
have grown up learning that abuse and torture are acceptable to both receive and inflict
upon others. Child soldiers also suffer from insomnia, nightmares, addiction, aggressive
behavior, and post-traumatic stress disorder. In Liberia, 90% of child soldiers showed
signs of post-traumatic stress disorder, 65% showed signs of a major depressive disorder
8Children, Conflicts and the Military. (n.d.). Retrieved March 03, 2017, from http://www.globalissues.org/article/82/children-
conflicts-and-the-military
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9
and many had suicidal thoughts. It is devastating to think that there are so many
helpless children suffering from mental illnesses and psychological problems due to the
unimaginable things they are forced to witness. Their endless pain could be prevented if
the recruitment of children for use in armed combat was put to an end. In addition, young
girls are the main targets of sexual abuse, which not only causes psychological problems,
but also presents the threat of getting a sexually transmitted infection like AIDS/HIV.
These young children are also impacted physically, and many suffer from injuries
acquired during combat, including gunshot wounds and stabbings. Although many suffer
from physical injuries acquired while participating in combat, a great deal of these
children are exposed to diseases and other illnesses:
When one thinks of health needs in a conflict situation and this applies to
children and adults there is a tendency to think of war injuries, says Nandy.
But its important to recognize the threat posed by psychosocial trauma and
common diseases in crisis situations diseases like malaria, cholera and yellow
fever, exposure to which results from the breakdown of social systems and
increased vulnerability that occur in conflicts, especially when they are prolonged.
A child that gets sick in a war zone does not get the treatment he or she might
otherwise receive.10
All of these children deserve to be entitled to the right to receive proper medical
treatment. The injuries, illnesses and psychological damage that these child soldiers are
exposed to affect them, as well as their future families, and cause extensive damage to
their well-being.
The horrific things these children experience prevent them from being able to live
a normal life if they are fortunate enough to escape or be released from their military
group. These children are still undergoing mental and psychological development,
allowing their experiences to have a much greater impact on them and their development:
Child recruits in the Sierra Leone civil war interviewed by Theresa Betancourts
research team had been severely traumatized by their experiences:
70% had witnessed beatings or torture.
9
Chatterjee, S. (2012, December 9). For Child Soldiers, Every Day Is A Living Nightmare. Forbes Magazine.
10
Healing child soldiers. (n.d.). Retrieved March 4, 2017, from http://www.who.int/bulletin/volumes/87/5/09-020509/en/
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63% had witnessed violent death.

77% saw stabbings, chopping, and shooting close-up.
62% had been beaten by armed forces.
52% witnessed large-scale massacres.
39% had been regularly forced to take drugs such as marijuana and
cocaine.
45% of girls and 5 % of boys had been raped by their captors.
27% had killed or injured others during the war.11
No child should be exposed to any of the things these child soldiers are subjected
to. Their personalities are permanently changed, as the child soldiers military training is
used to force them to obey all commands without hesitation. They are no longer entitled
to their own personal thoughts and opinions and have been brainwashed to follow all of
the orders they are given. Former child soldiers also experience great difficulty
reintegrating into society. Many are not welcomed back into their communities, as they
are seen as dangerous and unpredictable and cannot be trusted. 12 These child soldiers
cannot be blamed for the crimes they have committed, as they tortured and killed others
because they were forced to against their will. Children are also coerced to take drugs,
and if they refuse to do so, they are brutally beaten or killed (See appendix I). Gradually,
they become addicted to these drugs, making it difficult for them to adjust when they
return to their communities and are no longer being forced to take them.13 It is hard to
even begin to imagine how terrifying and confusing this must be for these innocent
children. They are usually brought up to believe that the use of drugs is dangerous and
not permitted, but once they are recruited as child soldiers, they are forced to take them
and threatened to be killed if they refuse to. It is often very challenging for these children
to conform to society after their experiences as a child soldier and having been put
through some of the worst things a child can possibly encounter.
11
Life after death: Helping former child soldiers become whole again. (2015, September 22). Retrieved March 5, 2017, from
https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/news/magazine/child-soldiers-betancourt/
12
Enduring Scars: Child Soldiers and Mental Health. (n.d.). Retrieved March 5, 2017, from http://globalhealth.ie/enduring-scars-child-
soldiers-and-mental-health/
13
Child Soldiers. (n.d.). Retrieved March 5, 2017, from http://www.vision.org/visionmedia/social-issues/child-soldiers/6684.aspx
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Human rights are the basic standards to which every person is entitled, to survive
14
and develop in dignity. A childs rights are protected under the United Nations
Convention on the Rights of the Child. Unfortunately, the majority of child soldiers
rights are completely violated. Article three of the Charter states that in all actions
involving a child, the best interests of the child should be the main concern. As stated in
article nine of the charter, all children have the right not to be separated from their
parents against their will if it is not in their best interests to part with their parents. Article
19 of the Charter protects a child from mental, emotional and physical abuse, including
sexual abuse, as well as negligent treatment. In article 27 of the Charter, it is stated that a
child has the right to a standard of living that is suitable for their physical, mental,
spiritual, moral and social development, and it is the responsibility of the parents or those
accountable for the child to ensure they have their basic needs. Each and every child is
also entitled to the right to relax and participate in play and recreational activities that are
suitable for their age, as stated in article 31 of the charter. The United Nations
Convention on the Rights of the Child also protects a child from having to do work that is
bad for their health or education, the use of unsafe drugs, sexual abuse, being kidnapped
or sold and punishment in a cruel and dangerous manner. It is specifically outlined in
article 38 of the Charter that States Parties shall refrain from recruiting any person who
has not attained the age of fifteen years into their armed forces."15 These are just a few
examples of the rights to which each child is entitled. It is extremely unfortunate that
almost all children recruited to participate in an armed force do not have access to these
simple rights. In fact, the rights of a child soldier are gravely violated and they are
completely robbed of their childhood.
The lack of laws against the use of child soldiers in the past is one of the main
contributing factors to the recruitment of child soldiers for use in armed conflict. The
issue of child soldiers is a global security concern as well, according to Peter Warren
Singer, who has written a book about the topic. The Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Book
of the Year Award acknowledged the author for his novel Children at War. He became
14
About the Convention on the Rights of the Child. (n.d.). Retrieved March 5, 2017, from http://www.unicef.ca/en/policy-advocacy-
for-children/about-the-convention-on-the-rights-of-the-child
15
About the Convention on the Rights of the Child. (n.d.). Retrieved March 5, 2017, from http://www.unicef.ca/en/policy-advocacy-
for-children/about-the-convention-on-the-rights-of-the-child
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a consultant on the issue of child soldiers to the Marine Corps, and the suggestions given
in his book led to changes in the United Nations peacekeeping training program.
According to Singer, the use of child soldiers makes conflicts easier to start, harder to end
and peace agreements more difficult to maintain.16 This serves as proof that countries all
over the world must put forth an effort to put an end to the use and recruitment of child
soldiers and that it is a global issue. In an attempt to resolve the issue involving child
soldiers, many treaties have been signed and a number of laws have been enforced. In
fact, recruiting and using children under the age of 15 as soldiers is prohibited under
international humanitarian law treaty and custom and is defined as a war crime by the
International Criminal Court. Parties to conflict that recruit and use children are listed by
the Secretary-General in the annexes of his annual report on children and armed
conflict.17 Although these laws and regulations have been implemented, this is still an
ongoing issue, affecting children all over the world and more must be done to put an end
to the use of child soldiers.
Many organizations are currently in the process of putting an end to the use of
child soldiers by armed forces. Organizations like War Child and Invisible Children, Inc.,
are working very hard to set these children free and prevent more from being recruited. In
2015, 84% of War Childs money went towards their project, 40 000 children attended
one of their child-friendly spaces, 11 825 children were given access to an education. 18
Although these figures are relatively small compared to the 300 000 child soldiers being
used in the world today, War Child has greatly contributed to putting an end to this issue.
This organization is continuing to raise awareness on the use of child soldiers and is
advocating for the rights of these children. Invisible Children Inc. was responsible for
releasing the Kony 2012 video that left the whole world in shock. This short, thirty
minute video raised a great deal of awareness on this issue across the globe, in fact 3 729
815 people signed Kony 2012 pledges. 19 These pledges were signed in support of the
16
(n.d.). Retrieved March 5, 2017, from https://blogs.america.gov/blog/2010/10/18/child-soldiers-%E2%80%93-it-impacts-all-of-us/
17
Child Recruitment and Use Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict. (n.d.).
Retrieved March 5, 2017, from https://childrenandarmedconflict.un.org/effects-of-conflict/six-grave-violations/child-soldiers/
18
Who we are. (2017, April 06). Retrieved March 5, 2017, from https://www.warchild.org.uk/who-we-are
19
Grassroots Advocacy. (n.d.). Retrieved March 5, 2017, from https://invisiblechildren.com/program/grassroots-advocacy/
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20
arrest of Joseph Kony, the self-appointed leader of the Lords Resistance Army.
Spreading awareness on the issue is one of the most important steps that should be taken
when working to prevent the use of child soldiers. Thousands of people around the world
live their lives completely unaware of what is going on around them and to what extent it
is occurring. In order for people to make a difference, they must be educated on this issue
and it is organizations like War Child and Invisible Children that provide them with the
knowledge they need. Both of these organizations have made huge contributions and
efforts towards stopping the use of child soldiers and are continuing to work towards
achieving their goals.
The issue concerning the use of child soldiers in armed forces is one that is
completely devastating. No child should ever be put through the things these innocent
children are. No child should be forced to witness and be responsible for the abuse and
killing of others. No child should know how to operate a gun and have experience using
one. No child should be taken from their home and forced to participate in combat against
their will. No child should be denied their basic rights and have their childhood stolen
from them. These child soldiers are just like any other person under the age of eighteen.
They deserve to know what it feels like to be loved and cherished, but instead these
children are subjected to nothing but torture and abuse. These young boys and girls are
the future of this world and it is everyones duty to ensure that they are entitled to the
rights they deserve and have the chance to be a child.
Background
Contrary to what most would like to believe, child soldiers have been and are
continuing to be used in armed conflict all over the world. The ancient Greeks used
children in combat and young boys, at the age of seven, would commence military
training. These child soldiers would spend much of the rest of their lives in military
service.21 The children acted as spear-carriers, mechanics and messengers for the Greeks
20
KONY 2012. (n.d.). Retrieved March 5, 2017, from https://invisiblechildren.com/kony-2012/
21
"Child Soldiers in History." Gale Student Resources in Context, Gale, 2013. Student Resources in Context,
link.galegroup.com/apps/doc/XGEWTU504491882/SUIC?u=la99595&xid=e48724f0. Accessed 5 Mar. 2017.
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and Romans. 22 In Sparta, all children would be raised to become soldiers, starting at a
very young age, usually taken away from their mothers to train at only seven years old. 23
The recruitment of child soldiers was not unusual in the Middle Ages either, in fact
Medieval Europeans, and others, typically viewed children as miniature adults and
generally expected them to carry out the same responsibilities as fully grown adults. In
both world wars, people under the age of eighteen participate in combat. During these
wars, American older teens and especially American men were horrified as they fought
and killedand sometimes were killedby boys who were barely old enough to graduate
from elementary school. 24 It is hard to believe the majority of the population once
believed that using child soldiers in armed forces was acceptable, but use of child soldiers
is not new and is in fact something that has been occurring for centuries.
The point at which peoples attitudes towards child soldiers changed occurred
during the nineteenth century. This was a result of the American Civil War, which had
also been referred to as the boys war. It is stated that between a tenth and a third of
all the troops in that conflict were under age, often absurdly so. 25 The amount of
slaughter and murder which had never been seen before the first industrial war changed
peoples perceptions of battle eternally. War was no longer seen as a place suitable for a
child and by the First World War, those recruiting soldiers were ordered not to take
anyone under the age of eighteen to participate in battle. This proved not to be very
effective:
They didn't try too hard, though, and failed to stop perhaps a quarter of a million
under-age volunteers a 14-year-old died at Gallipoli, a 15-year-old was executed
for fleeing the enemy on the Western Front (by a firing squad with a 15-year-old
in it), and a 16-year-old officer led his men over the top on the first day of the
Somme. 26
22
Schofield, B. (2010, December 15). Boy soldiers: Using children in warfare is not a modern phenomenon. Retrieved March 5, 2017,
from http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/boy-soldiers-using-children-in-warfare-is-not-a-modern-phenomenon-2161593.html
23
Ancient Greek Education . (n.d.). Retrieved March 5, 2017, from http://www.crystalinks.com/greekeducation.html
24
Child Soldiers Are Unfortunately Nothing New. (2009, November 24). Retrieved March 5, 2017, from
https://scriptamus.wordpress.com/2009/11/02/child-soldiers-are-unfortunately-nothing-new/
25
26
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Unfortunately, children were seen as cheaper than adult soldiers and easier to intimidate,
therefore they were more favourable to use in armed combat. Following the Second
World War, war was viewed as a place of professional business that was much too
dangerous for children to be involved in. In the year 1997, the Geneva Convention, a
series of treaties dealing with the treatment of prisoners of war, civilians and soldiers,
was revised to contain a new rule of war which stated that "children who have not
attained the age of 15 years do not take a direct part in hostilities."27 In the following
year, 1998, the International Criminal Court was founded under a regulation that
"enlisting children under the age of 15 is a war crime. 28 This was a big moment for
child soldiers and has definitely had a huge impact on the recruitment of these children.
Although it was not quite successful in putting an end to their recruitment, it did in fact
make a difference.
The Lords Resistance Army was formed based off of the Holy Spirit
Movement, which was an uprising against President Yoweris maltreatment of the north
of Uganda. Alice Lakwena led this movement until she was expelled. Joseph Kony then
took over, changing the name of the group from the Holy Spirit Movement to the Lords
Resistance Army, or the LRA. The group gradually lost regional backing, causing Kony
to start a trend of self-preservation that would come to characterise the rebel group,
stealing supplies and abducting children to fill his ranks. 29 In 1996, the Ugandan
government lost control over the LRA and therefore needed those living in villages
located in Northern Uganda to evacuate and come to camps run by the government for
internally displaced persons. These camps were created to protect the people, but were
unfortunately filled with diseases and violence. At the conflicts climax, there were 1.7
million people living in these camps across the region. The environment was filthy and in
no way suitable for people to live.
For two decades, the region was tormented by the LRA, but in the year 2006 the
group took interest in discussing peace negotiations. There is solid evidence that, while
27
28
Ibid.
29
History of the war. (n.d.). Retrieved March 5, 2017, from https://invisiblechildren.com/challenge/history/
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these Peace Talks were taking place, Kony was ordering his troops to attack villages in
the Democratic Republic of Congo and to kidnap children. Both the LRA and the
Ugandan government signed a Cessation of Hostilities agreement in August during the
year 2006. Many discussions were held over the course of two years. Unfortunately, it
did not seem as though Kony was serious about the Final Peace Agreement, as he
postponed the date on which it was to be signed and failed to show up. Some argue that
Kony may have entered peace talks as a means of resting and regrouping. The entire time
that the LRA was involved in peace talks, they were provided with food, clothing, and
medicine as a gesture of good faith.30 In the year 2008, it became apparent that Kony
would not sign the agreement. In response to this, Operation Lightning Thunder came
into action, which was the coordinated effort of Uganda, Democratic Republic of
Congo, the Central African Republic, and Sudan, with intelligence and logistical support
from the United States.31
Unfortunately, the operation failed, as Kony somehow became aware of the

planned attack shortly before the air-raid and was able to avoid it. The LRA responded to
the attempted attack by unleashing attacks on villages in the Democratic Republic of
Congo on December 24th, 2008. Over a two-week span, 160 more people were kidnapped
and 865 innocent civilians were killed. In December of the following year, there were
more attacks on villages in the Makombo region of northeastern Congo as a reminder of
the groups strength and influence. The attacks, taking place over the course of four days,
led to 321 deaths and the abduction of 250 people. Due to the remote location of the
targeted region, no one heard about the tragic occurrence until three months after it had
happened. The news was shared on the international level by the Human Rights Watch on
March 28th, 2010. 32 The LRA was fought against after this for quite some time:
Since Operation Lightning Thunder, the LRA has functioned in small, highly
mobile units across the porous border regions of DR Congo, the Central African
Republic, and South Sudan. The African Union is leading counter-LRA efforts,
with a large military contingent from Uganda. These efforts are assisted by U.S.
30
31
Ibid.
32
Ibid.
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military advisors, who have been present in the region since 2011. This advisor
mission was expanded in March 2014 to include the use of four V-22 Ospreys,
and the cap on U.S. personnel tripled from 100 advisors to a maximum of 300.33
The United States and Uganda have ended the search for Joseph Kony along with
his followers in the LRA, as they believe that he has started to lose power and no longer
see him as a threat. The group that became known for horrific murders, rapes, and
mutilations, and was recognized for kidnapping innocent children and forcing them to
become soldiers, is no longer seen as an issue. The head of the United States Africa
Command, Gen. Thomas Waldhauser, said, "He's irrelevant. ... This thing is coming to
an end." 34 On March 29th, 2017, it was announced that the United States would be
removing its troops from the search. According to the United States, four out of the five
top leaders of the group have been captured, and Kony is thought to be hiding with a
decreasing number of followers.35 It is incredible to think that the man who was once
seen as a huge threat is now viewed as irrelevant and harmless and is no longer a great
concern of many. This serves as hope to many of the child soldiers suffering in the world
today.
Expert
Romo Dallaire, a former Canadian Senator, is a major advocate for human

rights. He is especially passionate about child soldiers, veterans, and the prevention of
mass atrocities. He is the founder of the Romo Dallaire Child Soldiers Initiative, which
is a global partnership with the mission to end the recruitment and use of child
soldiers.36 Dallaire was born on June 25th, 1946 in Denekamp, Holland and attended le
Collge militaire royal de Saint-Jean in 1964, and graduated from the Royal Military
College in 1969 with his Bachelor of Science degree. The very accomplished Romo
Dallaire is an Officer of the Order of Canada, a Grand Officer of the National Order of
Quebec, and a Commander of the Order of Military Merit. He is the recipient of many
33
34
Ibid.
35
Ibid.
36
Lieutenant-General Romo Dallaire Biography. (n.d.). Retrieved March 5, 2017, from
http://www.romeodallaire.com/index.php/biography/
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awards, including the United Nations Association of Canadas Pearson Peace Medal, the
Arthur Kroeger College Award for Ethics in Public Affairs from Carleton University, the
Laureate of Excellence from the Manitoba Health Sciences Centre, the Elie Wiesel
Award from the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, and the Harvard University
Humanist Award. Lieutenant-general Romo Dallaire was also chosen as the Force
Commander of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Rwanda both before and during
the 1994 genocide. 37 As it can be seen, Romo Dallaire is a very influential and
hardworking individual that has been recognized for all of his efforts in Rwanda and his
contributions to the ending of the recruitment of child soldiers. Romo Dallaires Child
Soldiers Initiative is very unique with respect to its approach on dealing with ending the
cycle of child recruitment for military purposes:
It has offered advice to NATO, drafted UN Security Council resolutions,

consulted on new guidelines for Canadas armed forces and assisted with the
creation of a new policy on children for the Office of the Prosecutor of the
International Criminal Court, in the process becoming a leading global voice on
the topic of child soldiers.38
It is important to take this approach when dealing with the issue of child soldiers, as
much of the focus generally goes towards dealing with the child soldiers and convincing
them to put down their weapons. If a balanced approach is taken, the issue can be
resolved more effectively.
Romeo Dallaire is also the author of the book Fight Like Soldiers Die Like
Children. A documentary with the same title has also been made based on Dallaires
book. Fight Like Soldiers Die Like Children depicts Romo Dallaires journey to some of
the frontlines of Africa including the Democratic Republic of Congo and South Sudan
where he talked to child soldiers who had been dismissed, as well as their commanders.
His passion for putting an end to child soldier recruitment shines through in his book and
documentary:
37 Lieutenant-General Romo Dallaire Biography. (n.d.). Retrieved March 6, 2017, from

38 Ending the world's use of child soldiers. (n.d.). Retrieved March 6, 2017, from http://dalmag.dal.ca/2017/02/ending-the-
worlds-use-of-child-soldiers/
Marais 17
I hope the film makes people uneasy. We should all be unsettled by the
unspeakable wrongs being done to children in conflict zones around the world.
This journey has strengthened my resolveand it is my sincere hope that by
engaging new audiences, we can help build the political will to finally end the use
of child soldiers. The entire White Pine Pictures team has been outstanding.
Patrick is quite simply a masterful storytellerand I am thankful for his work to
help shed light on one of the critical issues of our time.39
It is not difficult to notice just how passionate Dallaire is in regards to the ongoing issue
concerning the recruitment of child soldiers. In fact, he is so immersed in his endeavors
to put an end to this issue that he resigned as a Senator in the year 2014 to allow him to
spread more awareness on the use of child soldiers.40 This influential man has been and is
continuing to work towards freeing these helpless children.
Dallaires undeniable passion towards ending the use of child soldiers around the
world is said to have been initiated through his life changing experience as the
commander of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Rwanda. It was on April 6th,
1994 that genocide began in Rwanda, resulting in the deaths of over 800 000 innocent
people. This particular genocide is said to have been the greatest slaughter of human
beings since the Holocaust.41 After witnessing so much horror and terror, Dallaire was
left with post-traumatic stress disorder, immensely affecting his everyday life following
his experiences in Rwanda. If the things Dallaire witnessed in Rwanda were horrifying
enough to leave him with posttraumatic stress disorder, it is hard to imagine just how
much of an impact these experiences have on the children directly involved in the
conflict. Dallaire was utterly shocked to see the amount of children directly affected by
this conflict with thousands of young boys and girls used as child soldiers. 42 In fact,
Dallaires life was put into the hands of a young child as he found himself with a child
soldiers gun pointed directly at his head. Luckily, he cleverly negotiated with the young
39
Lieutenant-General Romo Dallaire Fight Like Soldiers Die Like Children. (n.d.). Retrieved March 7, 2017, from
http://www.romeodallaire.com/index.php/books-films/they-fight-like-soldiers-they-die-like-children/
40
Romo Dallaire delivers impressive speech on Child Soldiers. (2015, March 11). Retrieved March 7, 2017, from
http://www.childsoldiers.org/romeo-dallaire-delivers-impressive-speech-on-child-soldiers/
41
Lieutenant-General Romo Dallaire Rwandan Genocide. (n.d.). Retrieved March 7, 2017, from
http://www.romeodallaire.com/index.php/rwanda-genocide/
42
Lasting Wounds:. (2015, April 29). Retrieved March 7, 2017, from https://www.hrw.org/report/2003/04/03/lasting-
wounds/consequences-genocide-and-war-rwandas-children
Marais 18
soldier and was able to convince him to put the gun down, saving himself from being
shot and killed. Dallaire stated that these frightened children always have their finger on
the trigger, but what makes them so dangerous and ultimately so useful to the
warlords and tyrants who recruit them is their wild unpredictability.43 There was no
doubt that the use of children in Rwanda was very prominent, as Dallaire remembers
seeing packs of wild-eyed, drugged-up kids using machetes to slaughter with reckless
abandon. He also noticed that most of the adults stayed towards the back during fighting
44
and that children made up the majority of the frontlines. These innocent childrens
lives are turned completely upside down, but Romeo Dallaires eye-opening experience
in Rwanda changed his life and inspired him to make a difference to give these children
their lives back, not only in Rwanda, but also around the world.
Dallaires organization, Romeo Dallaire Child Soldiers Initiative, approaches this

issue differently than any other organization in the world. Most programs put the majority
of their focus towards convincing the young children to put down their weapons, where
Dallaire is working towards persuading militia leaders that the use of child soldiers is
completely unfavourable. It is said that the key part of that process involves sending
Dallaire to challenge these men on a personal level, often by appealing to their very
manhood. 45 This is extremely important, as the children involved in direct combat have
no control over the matter and only do what their commanders tell them to do. Dallaire
strongly believes that his method of having a direct conversation with militia leaders will
be more successful in reducing the amount of child soldiers used worldwide.
As it can be clearly seen, Romeo Dallaire is a very motivated and dedicated

individual, using his power and influence to put an end to an issue he feels strongly
about. It is evident that this man will do whatever it takes to see the day that child
soldiers are no longer used by armed forces in countries all over the world:
43
Lasting Wounds:. (2015, April 29). Retrieved March 7, 2017, from https://www.hrw.org/report/2003/04/03/lasting-
wounds/consequences-genocide-and-war-rwandas-children
44
Ibid.
45
Ibid.
Marais 19
He knows that a child soldier with a bloody machete or a gun to the face of a
general is still just a child. Its sort of like a knight of old, he explains. Hes
got all his armour on but inside that tin can, theres a human being. The child
soldier is sort of like that. Youve got the child in there, suppressed, but the
outside is absolutely warrior-like and projecting evil.
This incredible man has witnessed an immense amount of horror and terror that has
driven him to work towards achieving his goal. Romo Dallaire is doing as much as he
can to spread awareness on the issue of child soldiers. He has and is continuing to make a
very big difference and his efforts are being recognized worldwide.
Role of Control
In regards to control over child soldiers, the commanders hold all the power. They
maintain power by instilling fear within the children to prevent them from running away
and to ensure that they do as they are told (See appendix II). The leaders also brainwash
the child soldiers to believe that if they are successful in completing a task (including
overthrowing a government) they will be rewarded with wealth and a higher rank in the
army. 46 Children that break even the most insignificant of rules are punished through
extreme measures including harsh beatings, whipping, caning or being tied up for several
days. The child soldiers are also given marijuana, cocaine and other drugs in order to
make them act brave and carry out tasks that they would otherwise be too frightened to
do. Commanders work towards desensitizing the child soldiers to violence by forcing
them to witness and sometimes take part in abusing/killing others. Child soldiers are also
forced to obey orders, as failing to do so can lead to the risk of being brutally beaten or
killed. If a child recruit fails to comply with the wishes or rules set by their commander,
they could potentially be tortured or killed by another child soldier. This method of
punishment causes the child responsible for torturing or killing the other child to feel an
immense amount of guilt and it also sheds light onto the possible outcome if they were to
46
How Joseph Kony brainwashes child soldiers. (2014, October 30). Retrieved March 7, 2017, from
http://invisiblechildren.com/blog/2013/11/04/how-joseph-kony-brainwashes-child-soldiers/
Marais 20
break the rules themselves.47 These child soldiers are only young, innocent children. No
person of any age should be forced to abuse or kill another individual and no one
deserves to be brutally tortured and abused for any reason. The child soldiers
commanders are very cruel in the ways they maintain power and instill fear within the
child recruits to ensure that they stay loyal to the armed forces they are a part of.
The control is not only in the hands of the commanders. The government in some
countries also has a role to play when it comes to the recruitment and use of child
soldiers. For example, in South Sudan, the government was found guilty of using child
soldiers in their armed groups. UNICEFs deputy executive director, Justin Forsyth, said,
The dream we all shared for the children of this young country has become a
nightmare."48 Both the government and rebel groups throughout the nation were using
child soldiers in their armed groups and were blackmailing these innocent boys and girls
to join their forces. In 2016 alone, 650 children became involved in armed groups in
South Sudan and in total, 16 000 child soldiers have been recruited since the outbreak of
the civil war in December of 2013. Both sides involved in the conflict taking place within
the nation have promised several times to address the issue of using child soldiers in their
armed forces, but both have failed to refrain from recruiting children. 49 They do this, as
they consider children to be easy targets that they have the ability to control effortlessly
due to the fact that young minds are not difficult to manipulate and children will do as
they are told. It is completely devastating that these young, innocent minds are taken
advantage of at the expense of the childs sanity and well-being. One of the former child
soldiers in South Sudan claims that he anticipated to be cooking and cleaning when he
voluntarily joined the armed group in 2016, but was surprised when he was forced into
direct combat. If you do not kill at the front line, you will be killed. It is devastating to
think that young boys and girls have to deal with this dilemma constantly as child
soldiers and it is shameful that the government is equally as guilty as the rebel groups in
some nations when it comes to recruiting children to use in their armed forces.
47
Coercion and Intimidation of Child Soldiers to Participate in Violence. (2009, July 05). Retrieved March 9, 2017, from
https://www.hrw.org/news/2008/04/16/coercion-and-intimidation-child-soldiers-participate-violence
48
(www.dw.com), D. W. (n.d.). South Sudan recruiting child soldiers as renewed civil war looms | News | DW.COM | 19.08.2016.
Retrieved March 9, 2017, from http://www.dw.com/en/south-sudan-recruiting-child-soldiers-as-renewed-civil-war-looms/a-19486723
49
Ibid.
Marais 21
In Uganda, much of the focus concerning child soldiers was on the Lords
Resistance Army, but President Yoweri Museveni can also be found guilty of recruiting
children as soldiers as a tactic that helped him come to power in 1986.50 In December
of 1980, former president, Milton Obote, was re-elected, and in response to this,
Museveni put together the National Resistance Army (NRA) in 1981, leading twenty-six
men into the bush to fight against Obotes Uganda National Liberation Army (UNLA).
Over the course of the next three years, the guerrilla war acquired more momentum and
increasing support. The guerrilla war separated many families and left thousands without
a place to live, often forced to flee to the bushes. The NRA would look after children who
had been abandoned in small numbers, but by 1983, an increasing amount of young boys
and girls became involved in the NRA. In response to the UNLAs operations becoming
more intense and posing threats to the camps in which the children were kept, the
children were scattered and given basic self-defence training for their protection. The
NRA claims to have adopted these children and looked after food, clothing and
shelter. 51 Museveni found using child soldiers favourable and therefore chose to use
them in the NRA on his rise to power:
Children escorted the officers, carried weapons, ran errands, cleaned and cooked,
and in this way became loyal contributors to individual officers and the NRA as a
whole. They were highly motivated, reliable and dedicated, often instilled with a
strong sense of revenge triggered by means of UNLA atrocities against their
families, friends or village. 52
Museveni came into power on January 29th, 1986 when his troops, which included child
soldiers, attacked the capital city of Kampala.53 It is very selfish to rob these children of
their childhood in order to gain power. Unfortunately, the use of child soldiers, even by
the government, in developing countries is not rare and is something that the citizens of
the world must continue to fight against.
50
Black, M. (n.d.). I was a child soldier for Uganda's President. Retrieved March 7, 2017, from https://newint.org/features/web-
exclusive/2011/06/03/uganda-child-soldier-story/
51
Child Soldiers of Uganda: What Does the Future Hold? (n.d.). Retrieved March 7, 2017, from
https://www.culturalsurvival.org/publications/cultural-survival-quarterly/child-soldiers-uganda-what-does-future-hold
52
Ibid.
53
Ibid.
Marais 22
Role of Religion
In some cases, children may choose to join an armed force to fight for their
religious beliefs. In other cases, the religious beliefs of the military group that a child
may be part of could be the complete opposite of the childs own religious beliefs. A new
worldview could also be forced upon the child, completely altering what they value and
believe in. Religion can also play a big role into the reintegration of child soldiers after
being released from the armed force they were previously a part of. Regaining their
previous religious beliefs or finding new ones could give the children a new sense of
purpose and help them to connect with something on a very deep and spiritual level.
Depending on the persons situation, this could be a key aspect of their healing process
and could have a great impact on their life.
Religion can be used both to rebuild a society and to help child soldiers as well as
to abolish society, hindering the ability of a child soldier to reintegrate. The Lords
Resistance Army in Ugandas goal was to establish a society based on the Ten
Commandments, the primary ethical code of the Old Testament. In some cases, Old
Testament texts and motifs are used by armed groups to validate the oppression of female
child soldiers. The Book of Lamentations is an appropriate piece of literature to use in the
process of reintegrating these female child soldiers:
According to Lamentations 5:11, They raped the women in Zion and the virgins
in the villages of Judah. Rape is discussed by both narratives (cf. Genesis 34;
Judges 19; 2 Samuel 13) and legal texts (cf. Deuteronomy 22:25-27) in the Old
Testament. What is echoed in Lamentations 5:11, however, is different from the
more general discussion of singular occurrences of rape in these texts. Here it
seems to be a question of rape as a part of military strategy.54
This text addresses the vulnerabilities of these young girls used as child soldiers. For this
reason, these texts could potentially be interesting to these children, as they can relate to
them and recognize that they are not alone.
54
Culture, Religion and the Reintegration of Female Child Soldiers in Northern Uganda . (2010). New York , NY: Lang Publishing
Inc.
Marais 23
In many nations, the use of religion in the process of reintegrating former child
soldiers back into society is very important. It is a part of the rituals performed when
these soldiers are released and return to their communities like this one taking place in
Uganda:
As the former rebels moved into the clearing of the compound where the crowd of
survivors had gathered, they one by one stepped on a raw egg that had been
meticulously laid on the path along with two types of branches by the traditional
leaders. Known as nynyo tong gweno, this act signified a desire to begin the
process of reconciliation, symbolizing the perpetrators acknowledgement of
wrongdoing and their desire to be a part of the community again. 55
The Catholic Archbishop of northern Uganda, John Baptist Odama, knelt before all the
former child soldiers saying, If in any way my contribution [to ending the war] was not
sufficient or enough to make you better, please forgive me.56 This was described to have
been an immensely powerful moment that communicated shared accountability,
acceptance, courage and the longing to collectively move forward to obtain everlasting
reconciliation and peace. Religious leaders in the northern region of the nation have been
advocating for peace and reconciliation throughout the area. They held prayer meetings
with the hope to help these former child soldiers through means of nonviolence. 57
Helping these soldiers find or rediscover God could be of great assistance on their
difficult journey towards reintegration.
Logic of Evil
Child soldier commanders have many reasons as to why they choose to recruit
people under the age of eighteen for their armed forces. It is much easier to frighten and
intimidate a child into listening to what they are told. A young child will very rarely
disobey the orders of one of their commanders, as they are aware of the torture and
sometimes deadly consequences to follow if they break the rules. Child soldiers are also
55
Religion and reconciliation in post-conflict northern Uganda. (2017, March 07). Retrieved March 7, 2017, from
https://mccintersections.wordpress.com/2016/11/07/reconciliation-in-post-conflict-uganda/
56
Ibid.
57
Ibid.
Marais 24
less likely to run away than adult soldiers, as they are threatened more easily by their
commanders.58 These poor, frightened children are forced to do the unimaginable with
the constant threat of torture and death hanging over their heads if they fail to obey
commands and this is something that no person should ever have to endure. Their values
and beliefs are also influenced with more ease due to the fact that their brains are still
developing and they are very impressionable. The recruiters take advantage of this and
brainwash the innocent children to believe that the killing and abuse of others is
acceptable. Young children also have yet to develop a real sense of what death is, making
it much more effortless for them to mindlessly kill another individual. 59 Children or
people of any age, were not meant to kill others. The fact that these young child soldiers
have become so desensitized to the idea of death is equally devastating as it is
frightening. Their young, impressionable minds are completely taken advantage of. It is
stated by Jo Becker that they are easy to manipulate and will do the unspeakable without
question or protest, partly because their morals and value systems are not yet fully
formed. In some cultures, child soldiers -- 40 percent of whom can be girls -- are
considered expendable cannon fodder.60 These young children are human beings, not
material to be expended in war. Their lives are equally as important as anyone elses, but
they are treated in the worst of ways.
In general, children have not developed a great sense of fear preventing them
from questioning any dangerous tasks they are given. Childrens and adolescents
identities are still being formed, meaning that they can be more easily influenced and
controlled, since they are dependent on protection and guidance, making them more
61
preferable than adults in combat. Compared to adult combatants, children are also
much more inexpensive to use in military groups. Unlike adults, children do not demand
wages causing them to appear even more favorable to recruiters.62 It is essentially free to
recruit child soldiers, as many of them are kidnapped from their homes and they are less
58
Children as soldiers. (n.d.). Retrieved March 7, 2017, from https://www.unicef.org/sowc96/2csoldrs.htm
59
Root Causes of Child Recruitment Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict.
(n.d.). Retrieved March 7, 2017, from https://childrenandarmedconflict.un.org/effects-of-conflict/root-causes-of-child-soldiering/
60
Stolen kids turned into terrifying killers. (n.d.). Retrieved March 7, 2017, from
http://www.cnn.com/2007/WORLD/africa/02/12/child.soldiers/
61
Understanding the Recruitment of Child Soldiers in Africa. (n.d.). Retrieved March 7, 2017, from
http://www.accord.org.za/conflict-trends/understanding-recruitment-child-soldiers-africa/
62
Children as soldiers. (n.d.). Retrieved March 7, 2017, from https://www.unicef.org/sowc96/2csoldrs.htm
Marais 25
expensive to feed because they do not require the same rations of food as adults.63 For
these reasons, many armed groups around the world choose to recruit children over adults
to participate in armed conflict.
The recruitment of child soldiers in armed forces is a political issue. In recent

years, this issue has been brought to the worlds attention through media. In particular,
the Kony 2012 video released by Invisible Children evoked many emotions within
viewers across the globe and went viral almost instantly. Upon the release of this
shocking video, people worldwide were talking about child soldiers and sent donations
during the Kony 2012 campaign. 64 Many groups are advocating against the use of child
soldiers, including United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), Human Rights Watch,
Rdda Barnen (a Swedish organization), the Coalition to Stop the Use of Child Soldiers,
and multiple childrens rights and humanitarian groups. Many governments have also
taken action by increasing the minimum age of people allowed to be recruited into their
militaries to eighteen. 65
Although children are easily intimidated and will do what they are told without
hesitation, it is completely unjust to use them in armed forces. There is no excuse to rob a
young individual of their childhood. These children receive the worst treatment
imaginable, as the armed groups greedily take advantage of their impressionable minds
and manipulate them to commit horrible crimes. Each and every child soldier deserves
the right to their childhood and it is the duty of people around the world to come together
and set these innocent children free.
Case Studies
Although the recruitment of child soldiers for use in armed conflict is a global
issue occurring in countries all over the world, this Independent Study Unit will focus
63
Reich, S. G. (2009, May 22). Think Again: Child Soldiers. Retrieved March 7, 2017, from
http://foreignpolicy.com/2009/05/22/think-again-child-soldiers/
64
65
Soldier Children: Global Human Rights Issues. (n.d.). Retrieved March 8, 2017, from http://www.faqs.org/childhood/So-Th/Soldier-
Children-Global-Human-Rights-Issues.html
Marais 26
more specifically on the presence of young soldiers in the Democratic Republic of the
Congo, the Philippines and Colombia. It is important to look at these countries when
discussing this topic, as this is still a prominent issue occurring within these nations
today. These three countries, although quite far apart, share the same problem of
experiencing internal conflict and have resorted to recruiting children to use in combat
and for other purposes to help their armed forces or rebel groups. It is both astonishing
and disappointing to come to the realization that people are allowing the rights of these
children to be gravely violated in these countries today. These innocent boys and girls
have had their childhoods stolen from them and are forced to carry out horrifying tasks,
such as abusing and killing others, against their will. There are many organizations
working diligently to put an end to the use of child soldiers in these countries and to give
these poor children the freedom they deserve.
Case Study Democratic Republic of the Congo
The Democratic Republic of the Congo is located in west-central Africa, the

second largest country on the continent next to Algeria (See appendix III).66 Since 1996,
over 20 000 children have been recruited and used by all of the warring parties in the
country. These children face great difficulty escaping from the camps, which are located
very far from town to prevent the child soldiers from returning to their communities. Out
of all of these children, girls endure the most abuse. Not only are they recruited and used
as combatants, but these young girls are also abused sexually, leaving them scarred for
the rest of their lives. 67
Places located in the east of the Democratic Republic of the Congo have seen a
great deal of conflict and have over ten militia groups operating in the region, including
Mai-Mai and RCD-Goma. Since 1996, the region has been in a constant state of war.
Children make up the majority of armed forces, accounting for more than 60 percent of
66
Lemarchand, R., & Cordell, D. D. (2016, December 22). Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Retrieved March 25, 2017,
from https://www.britannica.com/place/Democratic-Republic-of-the-Congo
67
W. (2007, December 13). Retrieved March 25, 2017, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=268&v=FIWIQ4Wt4o8
Marais 27
soldiers in the area. These children are young boys and girls between the ages of eight
and sixteen that are either recruited or volunteer to be a part of the armed forces. Many
children are encouraged to enlist, sometimes even by their parents. In fact, 35% of
children that are recruited into the armed forces have their parents support and
agreement. In a video posted by WITNESS, a young boy in the Democratic Republic of
the Congo admitted that his parents were aware that he had enlisted in the armed forces
and they had told him to go in order to help them cope with what was happening to them.
He also informed viewers that when he had first arrived at the camp, he went to a
commander to explain his worries to him. The commander responded by telling the
young boy that they would teach him how to kill the enemy and said, When we capture
an enemy, we must make him suffer. We must take out his eyes and remove his heart and
cut his ears and his feet.68 No child should be raised to believe this, but unfortunately
this has been instilled within the minds of child soldiers around the world. The issue of
child soldiers has been and is continuing to be present in the Democratic Republic of the
Congo.
When Michel Chikwanine was just five years old, he was kidnapped from his
hometown of Beni, located in eastern Congo near the Ugandan border by rebel soldiers.
He came from a relatively wealthy family; Chikwanines father was a university graduate
in politics and began purchasing land as a young man. As Chikwanine left for school with
his friends one day, his father warned him to be home by 6:00 pm, as the country was
experiencing a lot conflict, with casualties in the millions. Failing to listen to his fathers
request, Chikwanine and his friends stayed late at school to play soccer. To their horror,
they were approached by a gang of rebel soldiers who abducted them and brought them
to the jungle to train as child soldiers.
The young boys were told that this was now their family, and shortly after, their
wrists were cut and packed with a mixture of cocaine and gunpowder in order to cause
perplexity. Michel Chikwanine was the youngest of his friends. The poor young boy was
blindfolded, given an AK-47 and ordered to shoot. After obeying the command and
68
On the Frontlines: Child Soldiers in the DRC [Video file]. (2012, March 8). Retrieved March 25, 2017, from
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=197&v=UQx6N6GnWlw
Marais 28
removing his blindfold, Chikwanine was horrified to see that he had just shot his best
friend who lay in front of him, covered in blood. He was told that he could now no longer
return home, as his family would not accept him because of what he had just done.
This did not prevent the determined young boy from making an attempt to escape.
Chikwanine can recall thinking that if he did not get home, he would be punished. Two
weeks later, they were taken by the rebels to a local village to collect food supplies.
Chikwanine took this as his opportunity to escape, running off into the jungle where he
then stayed for three days, living off of mangoes and bananas, and sleeping in trees at
night. Miraculously, he came to a road where he recognized a store he had once been to
with his father. The storekeeper took him home and he was finally reunited with his
family.
Unfortunately, the suffering continued for Michel Chikwanine and his family.
Civil war broke out in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in 1998. Chikwanines
father bravely stood up against rebels from the Movement for the Liberation of Congo
who had come to prove reason for the burning of schools and the killing of authority
figures. Shortly after, his father was kidnapped for doing this and had not been seen for
seven months until he finally escaped and found refuge in Uganda. One night while his
father was still missing, Chikwanine (at the age of ten) could hear gunshots and shouting.
The young boy wanted to confront and stand up against the soldiers, but instead they
laughed at him and held up a gun to his head and warned him that if he dared to close his
eyes they would kill him. Chikwanine was coerced to watch as his mother and two older
sisters (aged sixteen and eighteen at the time) were raped. He remembers being
completely shocked, especially at the fact that no one had come to their aid even though
his father was someone who went out of his way to help others. Michel Chikwanine
found where his father was staying in Uganda and made arrangements to get him, his
mother and younger sister there.
In the year 2004, Michel Chikwanine, along with his mother and younger sister,
made it to Ottawa. He attended high school in the city and worked part-time jobs, sending
the money he made back home to Africa. Chikwanine was inspired to tell his story and
Marais 29
stated, I had always found it difficult to understand why friends in high school were
saying I hate my life. I hate my classes. They had everything, and they dont appreciate
what they have here. That sparked me to tell my story. 69 Chikwanine is the author of
a graphic novel titled Child Soldier: When Boys and Girls are Used in War. This book
was released in 2015 and tells his story, and also sheds light onto the conditions that
resulted in the conflict that was a huge part of his life, as well as millions of others. He
also speaks out about what he has been through and admits that Its never been easy to
tell my story. As any person who has been through conflict will tell you, its not easy to
stand up and tell people some of the most difficult moments of your life, but it is
necessary.70
The issue of child soldiers is of great significance in the Democratic Republic of

the Congo. This country has been experiencing war and instability for decades, but in the
year 1994 the violence and disorder intensified when Interahamwe, Rwandan Hutu
rebels, came to the Democratic Republic of the Congo fearing the retaliation that might
have been to come after they had taken part in the mass killing of Rwandan Tutsis. An
extremely complex war broke out, causing millions of civilians to die, roughly half being
children under the age of five years old. It has been estimated that one in ten of all child
soldiers are found in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. According to the United
Nations, fifteen to thirty percent of all newly recruited combatants in the countrys army
are under the age of eighteen. Using children in combat is favorable to the army and rebel
groups, as the enemy cannot bring themselves to kill children resulting in fewer recruits
being lost during battle. The things these children do and go through have a major impact
on them for their entire lives. At the age of fifteen, one child soldier was forced to kill a
family, cut their bodies up and eat them. He states that his life is now lost and he has
nothing to live for.71
The Democratic Republic of the Congo has made some improvements on its issue
involving the recruitment of children for use in armed forces. The country has signed all
69
Hampson, S. (2011, January 26). The Brutal Road from Child Soldier to Peace Advocate. The Globe and Mail.
70
Robins-Early, N. (2015, October 10). A Former Child Soldier Shares His Story In New Graphic Novel. The World Post.
71
Child Soldiers in DRC. (n.d.). Retrieved March 27, 2017, from http://www.child-soldier.org/child-soldiers-in-drc
Marais 30
international treaties and protocols that are applicable to the issue, and has also taken an
effort in negotiating regional agreements. Although in 2003, one tenth of the worlds
child soldiers were in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, this number has been
reduced considerably. In 2014, the United Nations published a report stating that children
were continuing to be kidnapped, at lower rates, typically for soldiering, sexual slavery or
forced labor in mining camps. 72 UNICEF has established transitory care centres for
former child soldiers. In these care centres, the children immediately receive general
medical check ups and treatment when necessary. These centres take in children for a
period of three months and are usually their first contact with normalcy after their
scarring experiences. Most children in these centres do have scars from bullets and
knives, but these have usually healed by the time they enter the centres. Their main health
concern is the psychological damage that has been done by the amount of killing they
have witnessed and taken part in, along with all of the other horrific things they have
been exposed to. In the transitory care centres, the children are also grouped into
families with people they can look to for support who are in the same situation as them.
They also receive one-on-one counseling, especially those with specific disorders or
behavioral issues. After their three months have been completed, the children are returned
73
to their families when possible. It is crucial that these former child soldiers are
properly reintegrated into their communities so they can live the most normal life
possible after having gone through what they experienced.
Case Study The Philippines
The Philippines is an archipelago of more than 7000 islands located in southeast

Asia (see appendix IV). The use of child soldiers is said to be a serious problem in the
Philippines. In 2003, a report to the United Nations Security Council by the secretary-
general recognized the use of child soldiers in armed conflict by the New Peoples Army
(NPA) and Islamist groups including the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and Abu Sayyaf,
72
The Democratic Republic of the Congo - Child Soldiers. (n.d.). Retrieved March 27, 2017, from
http://www.endslaverynow.org/blog/articles/the-democratic-republic-of-the-congo-child-soldiers
73
Healing child soldiers. (n.d.). Retrieved March 27, 2017, from http://www.who.int/bulletin/volumes/87/5/09-020509/en/
Marais 31
74
as well as government forces. In 2016, it was verified by the United Nations that
seventeen children had been recruited and used by armed forces in the Philippines. Of
those seventeen children, fifteen were used as human shields by the Bangsamoro Islamic
Freedom Fighters and the other two were recruited by the NPA. 75 Many citizens of the
Philippines are living in poverty, often having difficulty being able to feed their families
and provide them with their basic needs. This is one of the main reasons why a child
chooses to join an armed force. They reach a point where they become so desperate to
escape their current living situation that they voluntarily become a child soldier, not
recognizing the dangerous situation they are getting themself into.
Many believe that the NPA are severely violating the rights of children and are
putting them into very dangerous situations. Although the Philippines has signed to the
Convention on the Rights of the Child and its Optional Protocols, as well as vowed to
eliminate the practice, progress is slow. This is mainly because children are easy targets
to recruit for military purposes because of their vulnerability. Many are seized and
recruited by force, while others are induced to join to escape extreme poverty. 76
Although the conscription or enlistment of children in armed groups is considered a war
crime, this has not stopped the NPA from using child soldiers.77
Aida (not her real name) is a former child soldier who was recruited into the NPA
at a time when she should have been attending high school. Initially, her job in the force
was to communicate messages between the commander and the field groups. After that,
she became a radio operator as well as a squad leader. Aida stated that, Being
responsible for other people was distressing. Its either they die or I die in the crossfire
because I am the one leading them. In her interview by the United Nations Office, she
appeared to be a brave, strong and intelligent young woman, but even the burden of being
responsible for her comrades lives was too heavy for her to carry as a teenager. In fact,
74
Dispatches: Fighting Over Child Soldiers in the Philippines. (2016, February 16). Retrieved March 30, 2017, from
https://www.hrw.org/news/2016/02/16/dispatches-fighting-over-child-soldiers-philippines
75
Philippines Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict. (n.d.). Retrieved March
30, 2017, from https://childrenandarmedconflict.un.org/countries-caac/philippines/
76
Philippines strives to end recruitment of child soldiers. (2016, February 19). Retrieved March 30, 2017, from
http://www.irinnews.org/analysis/2015/05/20/philippines-strives-end-recruitment-child-soldiers
77
Ibid
Marais 32
those she was in charge of were older than her. Aida learned to read and write in the
NPA, giving her a sense of confidence and stronger self-esteem as she worked on
community organizing and recruitment in rural areas. When a former comrade
surrendered and identified her as a member of the NPA, Aida was captured by
government forces. She admits that she was afraid of being raped by military men, but
Aida was fortunate to have gotten humane captors. Others caught who were not so lucky
would often be tortured or killed. At a young age, Aida was forced to become an adult,
but she was still just a young girl who wishes should could have a piece of her childhood
back. In the interview, Aida said something quite alarming: Sometimes I wondered
whether my bullet really hit somebody. When the shots are fired, you get the hang of it
and killing people seems exciting. This is most definitely not something you would
expect to hear from someone as they are speaking of their childhood, but this is only the
reality for child soldiers like Aida. 78
The United Nations and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) have vowed to
protect the rights of children and have applied an action plan to make certain that children
affected by armed conflicts receive better protection. Sammy Al-Mansor, Chief of Staff
of MILF said, We are committed to implementing this program, which is for the good of
our children. 79 As a result of this, hundreds of children have been released by the
Philippines largest armed group. Doing so was not easy: "It required a lot of ground
work, a lot of investigations, a lot of re-education, not just of leaders of the Moro Islamic
Liberation Front, but also of parents who have had their children exposed to combat."
The number of children used in armed conflict in the Philippines remains unknown and
the process of releasing the child soldiers is slow. The MILF has helped to release child
soldiers from other armed groups, as this process of disengagement of children is seen
also as a very good example of other armed groups in the Philippines who are also
recruiting and training children or including children in their combat activities."80
78
Youth, V. O. (n.d.). Liberating Child Soldiers in the Philippines. Retrieved March 30, 2017, from
http://www.voicesofyouth.org/posts/liberating-child-soldiers-in-the-philippines--2
79
(www.dw.com), D. W. (n.d.). Ending the use of child soldiers in the Philippines | Asia | DW.COM | 26.09.2016. Retrieved March
30, 2017, from http://www.dw.com/en/ending-the-use-of-child-soldiers-in-the-philippines/a-35890128
80
Jazeera, A. (2017, March 11). Hundreds of MILF child soldiers released in Philippines. Retrieved March 30, 2017, from
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2017/03/hundreds-milf-child-soldiers-released-philippines-170311064133681.html
Marais 33
It is obvious that this issue occurring in the Philippines is a major concern to

many who are making an effort to put an end to the use of child soldiers throughout the
nation. A campaign called Children, not Soldiers was launched by UNICEF in May of
2015. Working together with MILF, it was the goal of the campaign to spread awareness
of the issue and to support the rights and protection of children.81 As stated by UNICEF
Philippines Chief of Cotabato Field Office, Rebecca Pankhurst, the campaign is
designed to spread the message to the MILF, their families, communities and MILF base
commands across Mindanao that no child under the age of 18 should be engaged in any
form of military activity. 82 Activities such as discussion groups involving children in
the community as well as recreational events, radio spots, an integrated campaign in
normal programs and a theatrical play all took place. Children and adults worldwide
could have access to campaign messages by UNICEF and MILF through the use of social
media.83 Slowly but surely, the situation in the Philippines has been improving and this is
partially due to impact of this campaign.
Although the issue of child soldiers is not as prominent in the Philippines as it is

in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, it still exists in the country and is something
that needs to be resolved. It is important that people become aware of the presence of
child soldiers in the Philippines and take action in order to make a change. These children
need as much help as they can get and deserve to live a normal life, just like any other
child.
Case Study Colombia
Colombia is a country located in South America, sharing land borders with

Venezuela, Ecuador, Panama, Peru and Brazil (see appendix V).84 Figures on the number
of children involved in the war differ between the Ministry of Defense, NGOs and other
agencies. Some believe that during this century, more than 5000 children have been
81
MILF, UNICEF launch. (2015, May 19). Retrieved March 30, 2017, from http://bangsamorodevelopment.org/milf-unicef-launch-
children-not-soldiers-campaign/
82
Media centre. (n.d.). Retrieved March 30, 2017, from https://www.unicef.org/philippines/media_24110.htm#.WR0gDFIXnq0
83
Ibid.
84
Where is Colombia? (2015, October 02). Retrieved March 30, 2017, from http://www.worldatlas.com/sa/co/where-is-colombia.html
Marais 34
discharged from illegal groups, whereas others argue that more than 7500 children were
recruited between the years 1985 and 2014 by all participants in the war, including the
guerrillas, and the military and state-aligned groups. A study reveals that of the more
than 5000 children who have come from illegal groups operating in Colombia, seventy
percent are boys and thirty percent are girls. In the latest report from the agency Allied
Children, Social Development and Research, the majority of the 7722 children recruited
between 1985 and 2014 were associated with war before they were fourteen years old.
Almost thirty six percent of these children came from environments in which problems
such as domestic violence were present. The study also showed that one of the
populations that was most affected was the indigenous people. Although they represent
three percent of the total Colombian population, children from these groups accounted for
fourteen percent of those registered as demobilized Revolutionary Armed Forces of
Colombia (FARC) recruits. 85 The indigenous children are targeted the most in Colombia,
as this group of people is often oppressed and seen as an easier target. The issue of child
soldiers has been, and continues to be existent in Colombia.
Nicols (not his real name) is a former child guerrilla who had been part of
Colombias largest rebel group, FARK, since the age of twelve. He had lived with his
family in Putumayo before he decided to leave one day without saying goodbye. The
impoverished lifestyle that he lived is what drove him to join the rebels, and his sisters
fianc, a FARC insurgent, helped him. Nicols was responsible for carrying out attacks
against mining infrastructure to alert authorities to their presence and to extort protection
money. At the age of fifteen, he became a troop leader and was in charge of sixteen
people. At the age of seventeen, Nicols was a representative of his company and was
responsible for sixty-four fighters.
Nicols says that he lost part of his childhood and that "you can't sleep easy in the
guerrilla. You can't dance, you can't play, and you can't talk with your family. Although
women make up a third of the FARCs fighting force, pregnancy is forbidden, as it is
believed that if a girl were to give birth she would not want to stay. If a girl got pregnant,
85
The reality of Colombia's child soldiers. (2015, February 26). Retrieved March 30, 2017, from http://colombiareports.com/reality-
colombias-child-soldiers/
Marais 35
she would be forced to have an abortion, sometimes six to eight months into her
pregnancy. Nicols also stated that crying was forbidden, as it says you are not loyal to
what you are doing. He admits that the knowledge he gained about his location in the
jungle because of the positions he held helped him to escape. At the age of eighteen, him
and two other friends were successful in escaping. 86 Although Nicols is now free, he
still lives a life full of fear because of his experience and what he was exposed to.
For decades, the rebels have forced children against their wills to become soldiers.
87
They trained these children as guerrillas to lay mines and fight. Under a peace
agreement signed between the government and FARC, ending fifty-two years of war, the
rebel group promised to release all of its child soldiers that remained, most aged between
sixteen and seventeen years old. The government has vowed to provide support,
including psychological counseling, to aid in the process of demobilization, as many of
the former child soldiers are illiterate and traumatized. 88 Although this will be a difficult
transition for these children, they will get the support they need in order to properly
reintegrate into their communities.
An example of an incredible organization working in Colombia to help former

child soldiers in the process of reconciliation is Developing Minds, established in 2006.
Since it first began accepting former child soldiers who had escaped from the armed
forces in which they were recruited, this organization has helped more than 750 child
soldiers reintegrate back into society.89 Their experience with this work over the years
has allowed them to become experts at giving former combatants the chance to live a
normal life after finally escaping from one of the major guerrilla groups in Colombia.
The majority of the children they work with have come from rural areas or remote
communities located in the jungle. On average, most of them had spent three years
involved in the Colombian conflict without any education whatsoever. The facility
86
Daniels, J. P. (2016, May 18). This Former Colombian Child Soldier Was Forced to Kill Eight of His Friends. Retrieved March 30,
2017, from https://news.vice.com/article/this-former-colombian-child-soldier-was-forced-to-kill-eight-of-his-friends
87
Clarke, S. M. (2016, September 10). Colombia's FARC rebels release child soldiers. Retrieved March 31, 2017, from
http://www.cnn.com/2016/09/10/americas/farc-colombia-release-child-soldiers/
88
R. (2017, January 31). Last Child Soldiers From Colombia's Rebel Ranks to Be Freed. Retrieved March 30, 2017, from
http://www.voanews.com/a/last-child-soldiers-from-columbia-rebel-ranks-to-be-freed/3701144.html
89 Colombian Child Soldiers. (n.d.). Retrieved March 28, 2017, from
http://www.developingmindsfoundation.org/portfolio/colombian-child-soldiers/
Marais 36
sponsored by Developing Minds provides these children with access to basic education,
psychological counseling and spiritual guidance, participation in recreational activities to
develop socializing skills and, where possible, planned family reintegration.90
The organization has come up with a blueprint for the reintegration of child
soldiers in Colombia. This plan outlines some of the most important aspects of the
process of reintegrating a child into society after having gone through such a horrific
experience. It is of great importance that these children have an organized schedule that
gives them emotional security and comfort, as they are able to predict what is going to
happen that day. It is equally important for them to have the opportunity to socialize with
others to prevent the children from isolating themselves as they are in the process of
adjusting to a new way of life. These former child soldiers must also be provided with an
accelerated form of basic education as well as workshops for life skills to allow them to
return to society equipped with the knowledge and skills they require. In addition, the
facility ensures that these young boys and girls receive both psychological and spiritual
counseling. This enables them to cope with all they have been through with the help from
a professional. Group therapy is also used as a method to improve the overall mental
health of each child and allows them to establish strong, healthy relationships with those
who they are surrounded by. 91 It is quite easy to see just how amazing the Developing
Minds organization truly is. It has successfully reintegrated hundreds of former child
soldiers back into civil society, something that can be extremely difficult to do. Without
the hard work and dedication of those behind the organization, so many children would
not have been given the chance to live a normal life.
International Organizations
The United Nations is making advancements in ending the recruitment of child

soldiers around the world, preventing millions of children from being robbed of their
childhoods and futures. It has achieved a global agreement between member states that
90
Colombian Child Soldiers. (n.d.). Retrieved March 28, 2017, from http://www.developingmindsfoundation.org/portfolio/colombian-
child-soldiers/
91
Ibid.
Marais 37
no child under the age of eighteen should be recruited and used in armed conflict. In the
year 2016, all national armed forces identified by the Security-General as using child
soldiers are working with the United Nations to put an end to this issue. The power of the
United Nations and member states it quite evident, as 115 000 children have been
released from armed forces since the year 2000. The organizations priority is to prevent
and resolve conflict while maintaining peace. 92 This is important, as creating more
conflict would only worsen the situation and make it more difficult to resolve.
The United Nations has also developed action plans to be signed by parties listed
as having made severe infringements against children in the Security-Generals Annual
Report on Children and Armed Conflict. Each action plan is designed specific to each
party, outlining concrete, time bound steps that will lead the party to agreement with
international law, de-listing, and a much safer future for children. Some of the activities
included in action plans are criminalizing the recruitment and use of children in armed
conflict, issuing military orders to put an end to and prevent the recruitment of child
soldiers, providing release and rehabilitation programs for former child soldiers, releasing
all children found in security forces and applying national campaigns to raise awareness
and put an end to the recruitment of children for use in armed forces. To this day, there
have been twenty-six listed parties that have signed twenty-seven action plans, including
eleven government forces and fifteen non-state armed groups. Nine of those parties have
followed their action plans completely and were then delisted.93 This is a very important
step forward in the right direction and if this is continued, the amount of children used in
armed forces around the world will be greatly reduced.
Child Soldiers International, previously known as the Coalition to Stop the Use of
Child Soldiers was established in 1998 by a group of leading human rights organizations
including Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch and Save the Children. The
original purpose of this organization was to campaign for a human rights treaty, which
92
Ending the Use of Child Soldiers Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict.
(n.d.). Retrieved March 28, 2017, from https://childrenandarmedconflict.un.org/press-release/ending-the-use-of-child-soldiers/
93
Action Plans with Armed Forces and Armed Groups Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and
Armed Conflict. (n.d.). Retrieved March 28, 2017, from https://childrenandarmedconflict.un.org/our-work/action-plans/
Marais 38
prevented the use of children in armed forces. 94 Child Soldiers International was
successful and the treaty, the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the
Child on the involvement of children in armed conflict (OPAC), was introduced in 2002.
For six years, Child Soldiers International, based in London, England, has been an
independent human rights organization that is working internationally. 95
The ultimate goal of Child Soldiers International is to end all recruitment, use and
exploitation of child soldiers in armed conflict all over the world. In order to achieve this
goal, the organization has four main priorities that will help it to reach its objective. It is
attempting to reduce and put an end to violations by non-state armed groups. These
groups that are outside government control cause great concern. In order to put an end to
recruitment of children by these armed groups, communities, local and national
organizations, and international institutions must come together and collaborate. Child
Soldiers International also wants to assist in linking affected communities with national
and international institutions. They will strive to do this by giving their support to
initiatives and partners working in these affected communities. The organization is also
aiming to make it accepted globally that children should not be used in armed conflict.
Their Straight 18 campaign is working to make eighteen the minimum age for
recruitment all over the world. Lastly, they will react to issues that are emerging or
neglected affecting children in situations of armed conflict. So far, this has included
challenging cases of sexual violence against children by foreign troop contributors and
96
peacekeepers. Child Soldiers International has already contributed immensely to
putting an end to this world issue and they will continue to make progress as they work
diligently to set these children free and prevent more from being recruited.
Child Soldiers International is spreading awareness on this issue and working

hard to get child soldiers released and reintegrated back into society properly. One of the
projects they are currently working on is based in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Child Soldiers International is striving prevent the use of child soldiers in armed groups
95
C. (2017, June 03). Who are child soldiers? Retrieved March 29, 2017, from https://www.child-soldiers.org/who-are-child-soldiers
96
Ibid.
Marais 39
through training and raising awareness. In the beginning of 2016, they interviewed 150
girls who had been former child soldiers and obtained information on their experiences
and their needs. They determined that almost all of the girls interviewed could not stress
enough how important education was to them. They firmly believe that education is a big
factor in helping with their reintegration process and will allow them to be accepted by
their communities. One girl in particular said, If we could go to school, the community
would be nicer to us, we would get some consideration, that would help a lot.97 These
girls should all be entitled to the right to receive an education, but unfortunately their
experiences as child soldiers have prevented them from doing this. Ensuring that these
girls have access to an education also assists in keeping them out of trouble and prevents
them from joining an armed force just to make enough money to pay for school. For
these reasons, Child Soldiers International is doing everything in their power to provide
these former child soldiers with an education. Those who had not missed a great deal of
school were sent directly back to classes, but the girls who had never had an education or
were too old to begin attending school were sent to literacy classes. 98 This incredible
organization has and is continuing to do so much for child soldiers not only in the
Democratic Republic of Congo, but also in other nations around the world.
Invisible Children released a video in 2012 that instantly went viral, informing all
viewers of the horrifying situation in Africa involving Kony and the LRA. This video,
initially an experiment, got over 100 million views in only six days. After watching the
short, thirty-minute video 3.7 million civilian pledges were made calling for the arrest of
Kony. This video was more successful than the creators thought it would be and KONY
2012 yielded the fastest growing viral video of all time and resulted in unprecedented
international action to end Africas longest running conflict. 99 It is astonishing how
much one single video can do and the power it has to spread awareness on such an
important issue. In order for people to be able to take action and put an end to this issue,
they must become aware that it is occurring in the world around them. Unfortunately,
after that viral success, Invisible Children struggled to figure out how to cope with mass
97
C. (n.d.). Democratic Republic of Congo. Retrieved March 5, 2017, from https://www.child-soldiers.org/democratic-republic-of-
congo
98
Ibid.
99
Marais 40
attention, as NPR's Sam Sanders reported in 2014. The group's founder had a public
breakdown, and the group was understaffed for the amount of attention and money
they received.100 Although this organization struggled in the end, Invisible Children was
able to spread a great deal of awareness on the issue of child soldiers over a very short
period of time, allowing people all over the world to discover the devastating truth about
what is happening around them.
These are just some examples of the international organizations working

diligently to put an end to the recruitment of child soldiers in areas of conflict. There are
hundreds of other incredible organizations that are working equally as hard to reach the
same goal. Without the dedication and hard work of these groups, the issue of child
soldiers could be much worse than it is today. Through spreading awareness, aiding in the
process of reintegrating former child soldiers into their societies and much more, these
organizations have made amazing progress and have saved thousands of children from
unimaginable torture and mistreatment.
Canadian Connection
Canadians find themselves very fortunate to be living where they do. Unlike some
countries around the world, they are not dealing with major conflict and war. For this
reason, the issue concerning child soldiers does not directly affect Canadians. Although
Canada is not responsible for the recruitment of child soldiers, the country is actively
doing its part in putting an end to the recruitment and exploitation of children in armed
forces around the world. In fact, the Canadian military has become the first in the world
to come up with guidelines for dealing with child soldiers. These guidelines will ensure
that Canadian troops are trained properly and equipped emotionally to deal with the issue
of child soldiers in other countries. 101 It is important for countries with a considerable
amount of power, like Canada, to aid in the process of putting an end to the use of child
soldiers even though this issue does not affect them directly.
100
Domonoske, C. (2017, April 21). U.S., Uganda Call Off Search For Infamous Warlord Joseph Kony. Retrieved March 5, 2017,
from http://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2017/04/21/525073251/u-s-uganda-call-off-search-for-infamous-warlord-joseph-kony
101
Canadian military first in world to issue guidelines on dealing with child soldiers. (2017, February 06). National Post.
Marais 41
Canada is very dedicated to putting an end to the use of young boys and girls in
armed conflict around the world and making sure that these children are protected. For a
long time, this country has been seen as a leading advocate for children in armed conflict.
It is continuing to collaborate with the international community to make certain that all
children have areas where they are safe throughout the world and able to grow and learn.
Canada has also donated $2 million to UNICEFs Children, Not Soldiers campaign. The
goal of this campaign is to end the recruitment and use of children by state armed forces.
The country is also responsible for establishing and continuing to chair the Group of
Friends on Children and Armed Conflict at the United Nations in New York. These
Groups are international networks of countries that promote continued international
attention and action on the issue. Canada took part in creating the Optional Protocol to
the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the Involvement of Children in Armed
Conflict, which the United Nations General Assembly adopted in 2000. The Optional
Protocol restrains the forces of any state from being able to recruit anyone under the age
of eighteen and using them in combat.102 As it can be seen, Canada has and is continuing
to play a major role in putting an end to the use and recruitment of child soldiers around
the world.
Many former child soldiers come to Canada, sometimes accompanied by their

families, for a fresh start. They will often attend Canadian colleges or universities and
obtain part-time jobs. Although it is quite difficult, some of the former child soldiers use
their story to educate others and raise awareness on the issue of the recruitment of
children for use in armed forces. They often speak at schools and other public events,
telling of the horrific things they have seen and witnessed, shocking their audiences.
These presentations can be very touching and emotional for many, in fact, the topic of
this Independent Study Unit was inspired by a guest speaker who was a former child
soldier from Sierra Leone named Ishmael Beah. 103 Another former child soldier who has
102
Government of Canada, Global Affairs Canada, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Assistant Deputy Minister Public Affairs,
Strategic Communications (Foreign Affairs). (2017, February 21). Children and armed conflict. Retrieved March 29, 2017, from
http://international.gc.ca/world-monde/aid-aide/child_soldiers-enfants_soldats.aspx?lang=eng
103
Barnett, E. (2012, October 09). Ex-child-soldier: 'Shooting became just like drinking a glass of water' Retrieved March 29, 2017,
from http://www.cnn.com/2012/10/08/world/africa/ishmael-beah-child-soldier/
Marais 42
spoken about his experiences as a youth recruited for use in an armed force is Michel
Chikwanine. He spoke to a crowd of over 16 000 students in Vancouver in the year 2009
at WE Day. Over the years, he has become a very successful motivational speaker,
having shared his story with over 100 000 people, mainly speaking in North America.104
Chikwanine leaves many of his audience members speechless and their perspective on
life is changed completely after listening to him speak. Although talking about their
tragic experiences as child soldiers can be very difficult, for many it serves as a method
of therapy that allows them to cope with what they have been through.
On October 19th, 2016, WE Day was held in Toronto in the Air Canada Centre.
Over 20 000 students and educators attended the event to celebrate the impact they had
made both locally and globally. Multiple celebrities also attended, including Zendaya and
Connor Franta. WE Day is founded by brothers Craig Kielberger and Mark Kielberger,
who believe that together, WE can change the world.105 In 2009, Michel Chikwanine,
a former child soldier, spoke at WE Day in Vancouver. His speech helped to raise
awareness on the issue of child soldiers and left many of the audience members
speechless after hearing his story.
As it can be seen, Canada is a worldwide leader when it comes to standing up for

children whose rights are completely violated as they are forced into armed groups
against their will. The nation has and is continuing to take action with the goal to improve
this situation and to reduce the amount of children being used by armed forces. If
countries all over the world were to unite and take action against these groups that are
continuing to use child soldiers, there would eventually come a day when these innocent
children are set free and are no longer forced to participate in armed conflict.
104
Michel Chikwanine Biography . (n.d.). Retrieved March 30 , 2017, from
https://www.rainbowschools.ca/news/images/Michel_Chikwanine.pdf
105 WE Day & WE Day Family. (n.d.). Retrieved March 31, 2017, from https://www.nsb.com/blog/day-day-family/
Marais 43
Solutions
One of the solutions to the issue of child soldiers is to promote the adoption of
international legal standards, which includes those found in relevant sections of the
Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child, banning the military
recruitment and use in combat of any person under the age of eighteen. It is essential that
people work towards promoting the acknowledgement and implementation of these
standards by all armed groups including those that are governmental and non-
governmental. This seems to work quite well, as seen in results from regions around the
world, but it does often take some time for armed groups to begin to release all of their
child soldiers. 106
In order to put an end to the use of child soldiers around the world, an
international effort must be put forth. There must be persistent advocacy from both civil
society and international actors. The child soldiers themselves must also be included in
peace agreements and processes. In addition, education and other youth activities, food
security and refugee camp security can also assist in the prevention of the recruitment of
child soldiers. This is because many children volunteer to become a part of armed forces,
as they come from an impoverished family and are looking for a secure source of food,
shelter and education. Eliminating these problems would prevent these children from
having the desire to seek better living conditions. Although this strategy would work, it is
difficult to ensure that everyone in the world has a secure source of food, shelter and
education. 107 To help this situation and prevent these children from voluntarily joining an
armed force, sustainable development must take place to ensure that the needs of these
children are met without hindering the ability of future generations to meet their own
needs, ending the cycle of children deliberately choosing to take part in armed conflict.
Simply spreading awareness on this devastating issue has enough power to have
an impact and make a difference. As more and more people become aware of the
106
End the Use of Child Soldiers. (n.d.). Retrieved March 31, 2017, from http://culturesofresistance.org/end-child-soldiers
107
Child Soldiers: Prevention, Demobilization and Reintegration. (2002). Conflict Prevention and Reconstruction Unit. Retrieved
March 31, 2017, from Conflict Prevention and Reconstruction Unit.
Marais 44
recruitment of child soldiers around the world, more people will donate to the cause and
begin to care about the issue. It is impossible for an individual to be concerned about an
issue and willing to take action to put an end to it if they are unaware that the problem
exists and is taking place in nations across the world today. The aforementioned example
of the Kony 2012 video proves that when more people become aware of an issue, an
increased effort is put forth to prevent the problem from continuing and reoccurring.
Conclusion
The issue of child soldiers is very prominent and serious to this day. It affects
hundreds of thousands of children around the world in the most negative ways
imaginable. Not only are these poor children robbed of their childhood, but if they are
fortunate enough to escape, they are scarred for the rest of their lives with the horrific
things they have been exposed to. Each and every child soldiers rights have been gravely
violated, and it is important that this is recognized across the world.
The use of child soldiers in armed conflict is completely unjustifiable and morally
incorrect. These innocent children should be entitled to a content childhood in which they
are able to prosper and grow into unique individuals. They should not be brainwashed to
believe that murdering and abusing others is acceptable. Their young, impressionable
minds make them an easy target to recruiters who take advantage of the fact that they are
easily manipulated and do what they are told without question. These recruiters shape
these fragile children into heartless murders, unaware that what they are doing is wrong
and numb to the fact that killing or abusing another person is not okay. No child, under
any circumstances, should be used in armed conflict. The recruitment of child soldiers
must be stopped and prevented at all costs. If people want to make a difference, they must
come together to fight for these children, after all they are our future.
Marais 45
Appendix
Appendix I
Child soldier smoking.
Appendix II
Young, frightened child soldier.
Appendix III
Marais 46
Democratic Republic of the Congo on the world map.
Appendix IV
The Philippines on the world map.

Marais 47
Appendix V
Colombia on the world map.
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Marais 48
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Child Soldiers The Devastating Truth

May 15th, 2017

Summary of Research Methods

63% had witnessed violent death.

Unfortunately, the operation failed, as Kony somehow became aware of the

Romo Dallaire, a former Canadian Senator, is a major advocate for human

It has offered advice to NATO, drafted UN Security Council resolutions,

37 Lieutenant-General Romo Dallaire Biography. (n.d.). Retrieved March 6, 2017, from

Dallaires organization, Romeo Dallaire Child Soldiers Initiative, approaches this

As it can be clearly seen, Romeo Dallaire is a very motivated and dedicated

The recruitment of child soldiers in armed forces is a political issue. In recent

Case Study Democratic Republic of the Congo

The Democratic Republic of the Congo is located in west-central Africa, the

The issue of child soldiers is of great significance in the Democratic Republic of

Case Study The Philippines

The Philippines is an archipelago of more than 7000 islands located in southeast

It is obvious that this issue occurring in the Philippines is a major concern to

Although the issue of child soldiers is not as prominent in the Philippines as it is

Case Study Colombia

Colombia is a country located in South America, sharing land borders with

An example of an incredible organization working in Colombia to help former

The United Nations is making advancements in ending the recruitment of child

Child Soldiers International is spreading awareness on this issue and working

These are just some examples of the international organizations working

Many former child soldiers come to Canada, sometimes accompanied by their

As it can be seen, Canada is a worldwide leader when it comes to standing up for

Child soldier smoking.

Young, frightened child soldier.

Democratic Republic of the Congo on the world map.

The Philippines on the world map.

Colombia on the world map.

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Bonikowsky, L. N. (n.d.). Romo Dallaire. Retrieved March 7, 2017, from

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Media centre. (n.d.). Retrieved March 30, 2017, from

Michel Chikwanine Biography . (n.d.). Retrieved March 30 , 2017, from

Philippines Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children

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(n.d.). Retrieved March 7, 2017, from http://walterdorn.net/9-shake-hands-with-the-devil-

(n.d.). Retrieved March 5, 2017, from

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W. (2007, December 13). Retrieved March 25, 2017, from

Who we are. (2017, April 06). Retrieved March 5, 2017, from

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