“Maybe We Live and Maybe We Die” Recruitment and use of children by armed groups in Syria

This report covers the use of children in armed conflict in Syria. Human Rights Watch first documented the practice of recruiting and using children under 18 in combat in November 2012.

Human Rights Watch raises concern about different armed factions and opposition groups using children in active combat or in direct supporting roles. They urge governments to carefully examine practices of the different groups they support. Aid agencies are also urged to provide more secure opportunities for children to receive education or to pursue alternatives to life in combat.