Outline

Outline
Introduction
All around the world, especially in lesser-developed countries, children are recruited and kidnapped to be used in armed conflicts. The reasons are vast, from the need to fill quotas in rebel forces to children not having enough food in their own homes. Child soldiers are exploited in the worst possible ways, and made to perform tasks that are beyond the maturity level of the young adults. Children are robbed in multiple ways, of their childhood, their families, their homelands, and their peace of mind. Despite numerous organizations around the globe working every day in places such as DR Congo and Uganda to help children affected by the warfare, the reintegration process is complex and demanding for children who have experienced such traumatic events in their short lifetime. The sources of trauma are multiple and complex, and the solution and path to recovery will be a long one
 What a child soldier is
o Who-what types of children
• Both boys and girls
o Where- examples of countries
• Uganda, DR Congo, Cambodia
o Why- why children are taken
• They are easier to brainwash, cheaper, etc.
 What is being done
o International Criminal Court
• Specific cases
o Convention on the Rights of the child
• What countries haven’t signed it (US)
o NGO work- UNICEF, etc.
• Reintegration
 Why ending the Violence is so difficult
o Regional practices
• Don’t want back dangerous children
o Not enough transparency in organizations
• Don’t trust organizations that want to help them
 Conclusion
 The issue of child soldiers is as deep and complex as the human mind that is torn apart by those who take the children. The situation has been being deepening over multiple generations, so even though this disturbing issue cannot be solved in a day, there is a solution to the problem of child soldiers. This is not something the children have brought upon themselves. They should not be punished for the evil ways of the world around them. With continued support from non-government organizations such as UNICEF, Amnesty International, and The Coalition to Stop the Use of Child Soldiers, as well as everyday citizens, the vicious cycle can be ended. The efforts of the organizations involved should be recognized and renewed with more efficient resources, energy, and fervor. Though the issue in itself is dismal, in the words of the “Invisible Children” Campaign “every war has an end.” With dedication of the global community, the victims can be redeemed of their atrocious past.