Worldwide, more than half a million children under the age of 18 have been recruited into government armed forces, paramilitaries, civil militia and a wide variety of non-state armed groups in more than 85 countries. (Amnesty International)

Go to AI Child Soldiers

An Agenda to Stop the Use of Child Soldiers:

A clear international agreement that prohibits the recruitment and participation in armed conflict of children under the age of eighteen.

Curbing the easy availability of small arms and eliminating military aid that facilitates the use of child soldiers by governments and military groups.

Strong and consistent pressure by governments, international agencies and the public against those governments and armed groups that recruit children for military service.

Demobilization and rehabilitation programs that offer former child soldiers the counseling and vocational training they need to rejoin civilian society and make a new life for themselves.

Reducing the risk of child recruitment by ensuring access to education and age documentation, facilitating the reunification of displaced children with their families, and supporting development programs to provide alternative sources of jobs and income.

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