Children Associated with Armed Forces or Groups

In spite of the global effort to end recruitment of children and to prevent their participation in hostilities, armed forces or armed groups continue to enlist or conscript children, putting them at great risk and depriving them of some of their most basic rights.

There are various factors that contribute to child recruitment. While some children actively seek involvement in armed groups or armed forces, others are brutally abducted and forced to serve as soldiers or to carry out support tasks.

This document provides a brief overview of the issues surrounding children’s association with armed forces and groups.