By Nco Dube | 12 February 2025

The image of a child holding a gun is one of the most harrowing contradictions of our modern world. It is a symbol of innocence lost, of humanity’s failure to protect its most vulnerable, and of a cycle of violence that threatens to consume generations. The use of child soldiers is not just a violation of human rights; it is a moral catastrophe that devastates communities, destabilises nations, and robs children of their futures. As we mark the International Day Against the Use of Child Soldiers, it is imperative to confront this issue head-on, to understand its roots, and to demand action to end this scourge once and for all.

The Definition of a Child Soldier: More Than Just a Fighter

When we think of child soldiers, we often picture young boys carrying rifles, their faces hardened by the horrors of war. But the reality is far more complex and far more devastating. A child soldier is defined as any person under the age of 18 who is recruited or used by an armed force or armed group in any capacity. This includes not only combatants but also children forced to serve as cooks, porters, messengers, spies, or even sex slaves. Girls, in particular, are often subjected to sexual violence and forced into marriages with fighters.

The recruitment of child soldiers is not always a matter of coercion. In many cases, children “voluntarily” join armed groups, driven by poverty, lack of education, or the promise of food and protection. However, this so-called voluntarism is often a mirage, born out of desperation and manipulation. These children are not making informed choices; they are victims of circumstances beyond their control.

International laws, such as the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child and the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, explicitly prohibit the recruitment and use of children in armed conflict. Yet, these laws are routinely flouted, and the perpetrators often go unpunished. The International Day Against the Use of Child Soldiers, observed every year on February 12th, serves as a stark reminder of the thousands of children still trapped in the horrors of war. It is a call to action for governments, armed groups, and the international community to prioritise the protection of children and to hold those responsible for their exploitation accountable.

Countries Notorious for Using Child Soldiers: A Global Crisis

The use of child soldiers is not confined to a single region or country; it is a global crisis that spans continents. In Africa, Asia, and the Middle East, countless children are being robbed of their childhoods and thrust into the chaos of armed conflict.

In South Sudan, the world’s youngest nation, the use of child soldiers remains a persistent problem. Despite numerous peace agreements and international pressure, armed groups continue to recruit children, often abducting them from their homes or schools. The ongoing civil war, coupled with extreme poverty and weak governance, has created a perfect storm for the exploitation of children. Many of these children are forced to commit atrocities against their own communities, leaving them traumatised and ostracised.

In the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), decades of conflict have made child recruitment a grim reality. Armed groups, including rebel movements and militias, prey on vulnerable children, using them as expendable tools in their quest for power and resources. The DRC’s rich mineral wealth, which fuels the global demand for electronics, has ironically become a curse for its children, as armed groups exploit them to control mining areas.

In Myanmar, the military regime there has been accused of recruiting children as young as 12 to bolster its ranks. These children are often taken from poor rural areas, where families have little recourse to challenge the authorities. The ongoing conflict in Rakhine State and other regions has only exacerbated the problem, with both the military and ethnic armed groups using children in their operations.

In the Middle East, the rise of extremist groups like ISIS has brought new horrors to the region. Children in Iraq and Syria have been indoctrinated, trained, and used as fighters, suicide bombers, and even executioners. The psychological manipulation of these children is particularly chilling, as they are brainwashed into believing that violence is a divine duty.

These examples are just the tip of the iceberg. From Somalia to Afghanistan, from Colombia to the Philippines, the use of child soldiers is a global phenomenon that demands urgent attention.

The Socio-Economic Impact: A Cycle of Destruction

The use of child soldiers is not just a humanitarian issue; it is a socio-economic disaster that undermines the very fabric of society. The consequences of this practice are far-reaching and long-lasting, affecting not only the children themselves but also their families, communities, and nations.

One of the most immediate impacts is the disruption of education and healthcare systems. In conflict zones, schools are often destroyed or repurposed as military bases, leaving children with no access to education. Healthcare facilities are similarly targeted or overwhelmed, making it difficult to provide even basic medical care. This lack of access to education and healthcare perpetuates cycles of poverty and deprivation, leaving entire generations ill-equipped to rebuild their lives.

The use of child soldiers also perpetuates cycles of violence and instability. Children who are exposed to violence at a young age are more likely to become perpetrators of violence as adults. This creates a vicious cycle that undermines peace efforts and makes it difficult to achieve lasting stability. In countries like South Sudan and the DRC, the use of child soldiers has prolonged conflicts and hindered post-war recovery.

The displacement caused by armed conflict further exacerbates the socio-economic impact. Families are forced to flee their homes, often leaving behind everything they own. Refugee camps, already strained by limited resources, struggle to accommodate the influx of displaced persons. The psychological trauma experienced by these children and their families is profound, leaving scars that may never fully heal.

The economic impact of using child soldiers is equally devastating. Armed conflict discourages investment and stifles economic growth, leaving countries trapped in a cycle of poverty and underdevelopment. The loss of human potential is incalculable, as an entire generation of children is denied the opportunity to contribute to their societies.

The Way Forward: A Call to Action

Ending the use of child soldiers is not an insurmountable challenge, but it requires a concerted and multi-faceted approach. Governments, armed groups, and the international community must work together to address the root causes of this issue and to provide support for affected children and communities.

First and foremost, the international community must strengthen its laws and enforcement mechanisms to hold perpetrators accountable. The Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, which criminalises the conscription of children under 15, must be upheld and enforced. Sanctions and other measures should be used to pressure governments and armed groups to stop recruiting children.

Addressing the root causes of conflict and poverty is equally essential. Many children join armed groups because they see no other options. By promoting education and economic opportunities, we can provide these children with alternatives to violence. Programs that offer vocational training, psychosocial support, and reintegration assistance are critical to helping former child soldiers rebuild their lives.

Raising awareness and changing attitudes about the use of child soldiers is also crucial. Many communities view child soldiers as perpetrators rather than victims, leading to stigma and exclusion. By educating communities about the realities of child recruitment, we can foster greater empathy and support for affected children.

Finally, the international community must provide political, financial, and technical support to affected countries. Reintegration programs, education initiatives, and healthcare services require significant resources, and many countries lack the capacity to implement them on their own. By working together, we can ensure that no child is left behind.

Conclusion: A Better Tomorrow

The use of child soldiers is a stain on humanity, a reminder of our collective failure to protect the most vulnerable among us. But it is also a call to action, a challenge to do better and to demand better. On this International Day Against the Use of Child Soldiers, let us recommit ourselves to ending this practice and to building a world where every child can grow up in peace and security.

The road ahead is long and fraught with challenges, but the stakes could not be higher. The future of these children, and the future of our world, depends on the choices we make today. Let us choose hope over despair, action over indifference, and justice over impunity. Together, we can create a world without child soldiers. A world with a better tomorrow.

(Dube is a Political Economist, Businessman, and Social Commentator on UkhoziFM and various newspapers. Read more of his articles here: www. ncodube.blog)