Are child soldiers illegal?

Recruiting and using children under the age of 15 as soldiers is prohibited under international humanitarian law – treaty and custom – and is defined as a war crime by the International Criminal Court.

Why do child soldiers exist?

Children become soldiers in different ways. Some are forcibly recruited. They may be abducted, threatened or coerced into joining, while others are enticed with money, drugs or in other ways. In many cases, children choose to join as a result of economic or social pressures.

Do child soldiers still exist?

Despite global efforts to end the use of child soldiers, girls and boys are still forced into combat – as fighters and in other roles – in at least 14 countries including the Democratic Republic of Congo, South Sudan and Somalia. Tens of thousands of children are estimated to be recruited and used by armed groups.

How are child soldiers treated?

Human Rights Watch investigations have also found that child recruits are often forced to physically punish and kill other soldiers, including children, accused of desertion and other crimes. Child soldiers who refuse to comply with orders may be severely beaten or threatened with execution.

Does India use child soldiers?

Child soldiers in India is a common occurrence among non-state forces such as insurgent organizations and up to seventeen militant factions use child soldiers in the Kashmir region.

How many child soldiers are killed each year?

It verified that 8,521 children were used as soldiers last year, while another 2,674 children were killed and 5,748 injured in various conflicts.

How do child soldiers get brainwashed?

Over the years, child soldiers (kids under the age of 18 who are forced into the military) have been forced into battle and brainwashed to obey orders. They are usually brainwashed with drugs or alcohol in order to do something they wouldn’t normally do.

How many child soldiers are in India?

“The recruitment of child soldiers by the armed groups including the Naxalites is rampant and at least 3,000 children i.e. 500 in the North East and Jammu and Kashmir and about 2,500 in the Naxal affected States currently remain involved in armed conflicts.