Child soldiers : theory and reality of their existence : the question of international protection available to them in contemporary times

• Main Author: Massey, Chitralekha Marie
• Published: University of Nottingham 2000
• Subjects: 320; K Law (General)
• Online Access: http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.526349

Children are regarded as holders of specific rights and special privileges, and yet more and more children continue to be abused in one form or the another. One of the worst forms of abuse is the willingness of adults today to use children on the numerous frontlines of the world. This aim of this thesis is to develop an argument against the practice of child recruitment and participation and for the practice of non-recruitment and hence non-participation in any form of all children under 18 in armed conflicts. Chapter One introduces the problem, it reflects on the impact and effect of armed conflict on Children, Chapters Two and Three present the moral arguments and the legal basis for extending protection to children from this form of abuse. Chapters Four and Five considers the issues of recruitment and subsequent treatment on capture for these child soldiers. Chapter Six is a case study of Uganda. This case study attempts to answer questions that might help in reaching out realistically to help children in this situation. Chapter Seven emphasises on the right to rehabilitation. Chapter Eight analyses the response of the international Community to the problem of Child Soldiers and Chapter Nine in the form of concluding remarks summaries the conclusions of this thesis, that it is possible to stop this practice but we need a stronger and united political stand for this purpose. It presses for the adoption and enforcement of a Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child which will establish a flat ban on all forms of participation by all children under 18.