On the World Day against the Use of Child Soldiers on February 12 (Saturday), Unicef called for increased efforts against this particularly serious form of violation of children’s rights.
Cologne – No one knows exactly how many child soldiers there are because recruitment is mostly done in secret and in combat zones that are difficult to access, said the United Nations Children’s Fund in Cologne. However, UNICEF assumes that tens of thousands of children are being abused by armed groups worldwide.
Children and young people are often the cheaper alternative to adult soldiers. Sometimes children are kidnapped and forced to fight by force. But poverty, a lack of education and the associated lack of job opportunities could also encourage children to join armed groups. Many would also be urged by their parents to do so. After their assignment, the girls and boys are often traumatized, they suffer from nightmares and mental disorders and have no schooling. They are often viewed as dangerous and avoided.
The World Day against the Use of Child Soldiers is also called “Red Hand Day” because many people draw attention to the fate of children with a red handprint. (dpa)
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