It is estimated that 250,000 children, some age 10 or younger, are currently recruited into armed conflicts around the world and used as soldiers, guards, messengers, or sex slaves. Such recruitment of children occurs most often in conflict zones such as Colombia, Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda, and Sri Lanka. The use of child soldiers has been officially prohibited by a UN treaty ratified by 126 countries since 2002. Children in conflict areas are guaranteed special protection under the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child and the Worst Forms of Child Labour Convention.

It is no surprise that rehabilitating child soldiers is a difficult and lengthy process. Because of the severe trauma they suffer, children who have been in combat require extensive long-term support to be re-integrated into communities, says UNICEF spokesman James Elder. He explains that child combatants “live in a theatre of violence and suffering…Instead of hope, fear defines their childhood.”

Additionally, the crimes of child soldiers, or of the larger group they belong to, can make community re-integration even more difficult. Their role as combatants entails committing violent crimes, and children sometimes join armies out of a desire for revenge. For example, child soldiers in the LRA “were both brutally abused and abusive, killing attempted escapees, captured soldiers, and civilians”. Because of this, child soldiers are often treated no differently by government forces than adult soldiers. When children are released into society, they can face acts of discrimination or revenge from communities that have been affected by violence. Nations must address the concerns of both child soldiers and their victims in attempts at rehabilitation. Some experts even argue that not prosecuting child soldiers can lead to further human rights violations, as commanders may order children to commit the worst crimes because of their immunity.

Dance/movement therapy (DMT) is one new approach to rehabilitation that recently began in Sierra Leone for the Orphan Boys of Koindu, a group of former child soldiers. A psychosocial counseling team integrated healing and purification rites traditionally done in the area with Western psychological techniques to “foster both acceptance and accountability”.

Education and vocational training are also critical elements of rehabilitation, say many experts. Education provides a means for children to make a living and avoid returning to combat, and enhances community. One former child soldier in Sierra Leone explained: “The community becomes happy when they see us engage in productive activities such as schooling, trading, mining, or farming. However, if you are stubborn and unsettled, they get worried.”

More links:

Child Soldiers Photo Exhibit

UN Security Council Open Debate on Children and Armed Conflict (transcript and video of Grace Akallo’s speech)

Child soldiers fighting in the DRC (video)

Human Rights Watch: Fighting for their Lives

The Red Hand Campaign

Pawn of Politics

Secretary-General calls for “bold action” to end human trafficking

UN: Children and Armed Conflict

FXB Center Research Program on Children and Global Adversity