Legal developments and actions being taken by the international community against the use of child soldiers

The Rights of Children in International Criminal Law: Children as actor and victim of crime (2011)

The use of children as soldiers has been universally condemned as abhorrent and unacceptable. Yet, over the last decade hundreds of thousands of children have fought and died in conflict around the world.

Children involved in armed conflict are frequently killed or injured during combat or while carrying out other tasks. They are forced to engage in hazardous activities such as laying mines or explosives, as well as using weapons. Child soldiers are usually forced to live under harsh conditions with insufficient food and little or no access to healthcare. They are almost always treated brutally, subjected to beatings and humiliating treatment. Punishments for mistakes or desertion are often extremely severe. Girl soldiers are particularly at risk of being raped, sexually harrassed or abused, as well as being involved in combat and other tasks.

Children can be actors in wars when they become soldiers to fight for a party and at the same time children will be the biggest victims of these wars.

This book provides the reader with legal developments and actions being taken by the international community. The book includes a concise introduction to the topic and the complete texts of various legal instruments including UN security council resolutions.

Published: January 2011

  • ISBN: 9789058870902
  • Publisher: Wolf Legal Publishers
  • Author: D. De Ruiter (ed.)
  • Language: English
  • Type: Paperback (322 pages)

Price: 60.00 €

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