Child Soldiers Debate

It is illegal for children under 18 to fight in war.

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Answer explanation

According to the UNCRC Governments must not allow children under the age of 15 to take part in war or join the armed forces. In the UK you can join the army at 16 but cannot join front line fighting until you are 18.

Children never choose to be soldiers.

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Answer explanation

Some children will want to join the fighting, they may want revenge for what has happened to their family or community. It can pay money and make them feel like they have a purpose especially when school may not be an option.

Children shouldn’t be soldiers, even if they want to be.

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Answer explanation

No matter their involvement, the recruitment and use of children by armed forces is a grave violation of child rights and international humanitarian law. Children may think they are making their own decision by joining underage but they are being neglected by adults if they are a child solider. Countries who use them are committing war crimes.

If a child soldier is captured, they should be treated like an adult.

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Answer explanation

To discourage child soldiers from surrendering, commanders often tell children that they will be tortured if captured by the army. However, according to International Humanitarian Law  they must be treated with special consideration if captured. The treatment of children aged between 15 and 18 years must be as close as possible to that of children under 15 years.

Children are recruited as soldiers because they don’t eat as much as adults.

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Answer explanation

•This is true. Children are easier to manipulate, they don't need much food and they don't have a highly developed sense of danger.

•They will often believe authority figures (commanders) are acting in their best interests.

•They may not have food at home or even a family. Being involved in conflict can give them a sense of safety.

•In reality, children are often abused and drugged to make them compliant and the people they are fighting are often unwilling to return fire if they are fighting children.