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.