May 22 2008
child soldiers
Here’s something else to think about.
I believe that to change the world people have to know some facts first. Most of us know there isn’t much peace around, but we don’t usually know what causes this. We have seen in the news the assassinations of people and the massacres caused by wars. But there is much more to wars than just fights between countries. There are child soldiers. Today, there are more than 300,000 children under 18 that serve the government as soldiers or make part of rebellious groups. Some of these children are even eight years old! These are kids that have a whole life to live. Imagine eight year old using guns to fight against something they might not even understand! There are more than 33 countries that use child soldiers. Some of these countries include Iraq, India, Indonesia, Mexico, Ethiopia, Turkey, Sudan, and Uganda among many others. Children are more vulnerable to these violent acts because of physical and emotional immaturities. They are easily convinced because many times they do not know the implications and the dangers they will be facing. Children that are poor and have limited access to education are most likely to become child soldiers. In many cases, children are pressured into becoming child soldiers. If this isn’t the case, it can also because they believe they will have an easier access to food and security. As I did before I know about this, you probably think most of the child soldiers are boys. This is false. It was actually proven that in many countries such as Ethiopia and Uganda most of the child soldiers are girls. Girls are often raped or given to commanders as “wives.” Because of lack of experience, strength, and strategies; children are often sent in the front lines to protect older and more experience soldiers. They are also sent first into the minefields; that way, if they cross safely older soldiers know where to step. In society, child soldiers aren’t usually recognized. There are very few governments that inform their use of child soldiers. Because of this, many people don’t even know that this exists.
“NOTHING TO KILL OR DIE FOR!”
Please let the world know about this! For more information please click on the link below: http://www.hrw.org/campaigns/crp/facts.htm
