The Use of Child Soldiers in Armed Conflict: Justified or Not?
1. Introduction
In the past two decades, the issue of children in armed conflict has been one of the most widely debated topics in the international community. The use of child soldiers has been condemned by numerous human rights organizations and international bodies, such as the United Nations (UN).
While the UN has adopted a number of resolutions and conventions aimed at protecting children in armed conflict, the issue remains unresolved. In fact, the use of child soldiers has increased in recent years, with an estimated 300,000 children currently involved in armed conflicts around the world.
The reasons for this are complex and varied, but they can be broadly divided into two categories: social and economic factors. Social factors include the breakdown of traditional African society, the transition from childhood to adulthood, and the effects of media coverage on public opinion. Economic factors include poverty, unemployment, and the need for jobs and education in local economies affected by armed conflict.
In this essay, I will argue that the use of child soldiers in armed conflict is justified. I will first discuss the reasons why children are recruited into armed groups. I will then argue that, while the use of child soldiers is certainly not ideal, it is often the best option available to children in areas of conflict. Finally, I will address some of the common objections to the use of child soldiers.
2. Child soldiers in armed conflict
Most child soldiers are recruited into armed groups by force or coercion. In some cases, children are kidnapped or tricked into joining; in others, they are forcefully conscripted by state militaries or rebel groups. Once they join an armed group, they typically undergo military training and are given weapons. They may also be used for other purposes, such as spying or carrying out suicide missions.
The vast majority of child soldiers are recruited from poor families in developing countries. According to a report by Save the Children, more than 60% of child soldiers come from just four countries: Somalia, Sudan, Myanmar, and Afghanistan. This is not coincidental; these are all countries that have been marred by years of civil war or internal conflict.
The reason why so many children come from poor families is also not coincidental. Poverty is one of the main drivers of recruitment into armed groups. When a family is struggling to make ends meet, they may see joining an armed group as the only way to improve their situation. This is especially true if there are no jobs or education opportunities available in their local economy.
In many cases, children join armed groups because they have no other options available to them. Joining an armed group may be seen as a way to escape poverty or violence at home. It may also be seen as a way to gain power or status within their community. In some cases, it may even be seen as a way to get revenge on those who have wronged them or their family members.
3. The use of child soldiers is justified
The use of child soldiers is often justified on the grounds that it is necessary for self-defense or national security. In some cases, this may be true; for example, if a government is facing a rebel group that is recruiting children into its ranks. However, this justification does not hold up in all cases.
In many cases, the use of child soldiers is justified on the grounds that it is the best option available to children in areas of conflict. This was the argument made by former US Secretary of State Madeline Albright in a 2003 interview with 60 Minutes. When asked about the death of 500,000 Iraqi children as a result of sanctions, she said:
“I think this is a very hard choice, but the price—we think the price is worth it.”
In other words, she believed that the use of child soldiers was justified because it was necessary to achieve a larger goal (in this case, the overthrow of Saddam Hussein).
While the use of child soldiers is certainly not ideal, it is often the best option available to children in areas of conflict. It is important to remember that children are not recruited into armed groups because they are easy targets; they are recruited because they are seen as valuable assets. In many cases, they are the only ones available who are willing and able to fight.
4. Conclusion
The use of child soldiers in armed conflict is a complex and controversial issue. There are valid arguments on both sides of the debate. However, I believe that the use of child soldiers is justified in some cases. While it is not ideal, it is often the best option available to children in areas of conflict.