World leaders have been working together to stop the use of child soldiers. Although progress has been made, there are countries that continue to recruit children to join the army. It is believed as many as 300,000 children are serving as combatants in armed conflicts. Here are 5 countries where children are still recruited and used in armed conflicts.
Central African Republic
According to Child Soldiers International, around 10,000 children served as fighters in the latest conflict in CAR. Armed groups such as Muslim Séléka and Christian militias known as Anti-Balaka used children as young as 8 years.
Democratic Republic of Congo
In 2011, there were about 30,000 child soldiers in DRC. Children continue to be used by numerous armed groups in the country. Girls are sexual abused by their commanders and often used as “wives”.
Iraq
There is widespread recruitment of children by Shia and Sunni armed groups fighting in Iraq. According to an HRW report, armed groups in Iraq allied to the Kurdistan Workers’ Party have recruited many boys and girls.
Myanmar
Armed conflict in Myanmar has seen children used by both armed groups and state armed forces. Despite a minimum age of 18, many boys have been recruited into the national army. Since 2012, Child Soldiers International has facilitated the release of hundreds of children from the army.
Nigeria
It is estimated that the terrorist group Boko Haram recruited about 2000 child soldiers last year, according to UN. In addition, the group is believed to be using girls as suicide bombers.
References
https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/content/7-countries-that-still-use-child-soldiers/
Amnesty 