Child Soldiers FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is considered a child soldier?
A child soldier is any minor in the world under the age of 18 who is a member of an armed faction, political group, or any other form of a combat organization regardless of whether there is a current ongoing armed conflict or not.
What is the approximate number of child soldiers in the world right now?
According to recent studies and reports, there are currently 300,000 child soldiers in the world. This is considered the most accurate figure for an approximate number of child soldiers in the world right now.
Where are the major regions in the world that are suffering from the substantial use of child soldiers?
Many military factions in Africa employ the use of child soldiers because of the instability of their governments. Also, many countries in Asia continue to use child soldiers because of continued internal conflict. Uganda and Myanmar are the two countries where the use of child soldiers is most widespread.
Why are child soldiers recruited?
Child soldiers are recruited in regions such as Africa and Asia because of 3 major reasons: the world is constantly at war and civil strife, there is inadequate authority in 3rd world and poverty stricken countries, and children possess the immaturity and inability to resist recruitment.
What are some uses of child soldiers?
Factions and political groups use child soldiers for many uses, some of which are as spies, mine detectors, domestic laborers, practice dummies, messengers, and sexual slaves.
What are basic dangers faced by child soldiers?
Almost all child soldiers are constantly pressured with physical, mental, and emotional abuse. Also, sexual abuse is a very common practice of treatment towards minors of both sexes in any faction or political group.
What does "DDR" stand for?
"DDR" is a term used by the Coalition to stop the use of Child Soldiers which refers to the process "Disarmament, Demobilization, and Reintegration" for child soldiers.
Why are girls considered child soldiers?
Even though girls are usually recruited as sexual slaves, they always serve a military purpose as well, such as mine detectors.