Make a Difference!

One of my favorite quotes comes from Albert Einstein. He once said, “The world is a dangerous place. Not because of the people who are evil; but because of the people who don't do anything about it.” We can all work toward eliminating this evil from our world. Supporting organizations such as War Child International (www.war-child.org) and UNICEF (www.unicef.org) in their continuing efforts to help the world’s children is one way to do this. We can support these organizations through financial donations, and also by maintaining an awareness of the problem and what is being done about it. We can urge our political leaders to support United Nations’ and World Bank initiatives and protocols which define and seek to enforce the rights of children. We can make a difference in our world!

Child Soldiers a World-Wide Problem

In response to some of the postings that I have received, I am posting a map courtesy of the Coalition to Stop the Use of Child Soldiers. This map, which is also included in my larger report, details the use of child soldiers worldwide. Although my postings and a large part of my report focus on the problem in Africa, the problem exists in Asia and Latin America as well. Certainly, even in the United States this issue has existed. It was especially prevalent during the American Revolutionary and Civil Wars where young boys were used as musicians, not to entertain the troops, but to signal soldiers when it was time to get up, eat meals, etc. Music also signaled when to advance or retreat. Though these young boys were not generally armed, they were definitely part of the military and in harm's way during battles. Even today there is debate whether allowing military recruiters into high schools violates the U.N. Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child. Although the enlistment age is 18 under most circumstances, a 17 year old can enlist with parental consent.

What you can do to help!

The following links have been provided by UNICEF and War Child International. They give ideas on how to support their programs. Click on the link at the right for further information or to make a donation. You can make a difference!

Who is helping?

Fortunately there are several organizations trying to stop this horrible practice. Among them are War Child International, the United Nations, and the World Bank. War Child International has set up programs for educating and reuniting child soldiers with their families. The World Bank has also established a series of programs aimed at prevention, demobilization, and reintegration of child soldiers into society. The United Nations has drafted a number of resolutions aimed at prevention of child soldiering; among these is the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child.

Reality Check

Using children to fight conflicts triggered by adults is morally wrong and must be stopped. These children have been deprived of the right to enjoy a normal childhood, get an education, maintain family relationships, and experience the joy of being children at play. If these positive aspects don’t persuade people that this phenomenon is wrong, then certainly the grim realities of these lives should. These former soldiers are often physically maimed, malnourished, and uneducated. They suffer from bouts of paranoia and depression. Combine this with violent and aggressive behavior, and there is the potential for a generation of children who will continue the tradition of genocide. Is this really what we want for the future of our world?

Children of War

Did you know that countries in Africa, Asia, and South America all share a common crisis: child soldiers. According to a UNICEF report issued in 2001,

A child soldier is defined as any child - boy or girl - under
18 years of age, who is part of any kind of regular or irregular
armed force or armed group in any capacity, including, but
not limited to: cooks, porters, messengers, and anyone
accompanying such groups other than family members. It includes
girls and boys recruited for sexual purposes and/or forced marriage.

The definition, therefore, does not only refer to a child who is
carrying, or has carried weapons.

According to a report issued by the World Bank in May 2002, over 300,000 children were involved in armed conflicts worldwide (Verhey 1). Africa is one region greatly impacted by this crisis. Often genocide is the end result.