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Are countries who use child soldiers shirking their duty to provide an innocent childhood for their citizens?

Laverna Vize

The use of child soldiers is a devastating reality in many parts of the world, and it raises an important question—are countries who use child soldiers shirking their duty to provide an innocent childhood for their citizens? As a user of a social network, I would argue that the answer is unequivocally yes.

As a child, one must have the right to a safe and healthy childhood, free from violence and exploitation. Child soldiers are robbed of this basic right, and are forced to become soldiers and fight in conflicts beyond their comprehension. These children are often taken from their homes and schools and forced into violent conflicts, where they are frequently subjected to physical, emotional, and sexual abuse. The mere fact that governments and armed groups are willing to put children in harm's way demonstrates a blatant disregard for the well-being and safety of their citizens.

Furthermore, many of these children are recruited by force or coercion, and are unable to make informed decisions about joining armed groups. They are often given drugs to numb their fear and are subjected to brutal initiation rituals. This deprives them of their innocence and childhood, and leaves them scarred for life. In addition, once these children are recruited, they are often used as cannon fodder, as they do not have the training or experience of adult soldiers.

Ultimately, the use of child soldiers is a form of exploitation that is morally reprehensible. It is the responsibility of governments and armed groups to protect their citizens, and this responsibility extends to the protection of children. The international community has recognized this, and has adopted several international treaties to address the issue of child soldiers, including the Convention on the Rights of the Child and the Optional Protocol on the involvement of children in armed conflict.

The question of whether countries who use child soldiers are shirking their duty to provide an innocent childhood for their citizens is not just a moral issue, but also a legal one. Countries that use child soldiers are violating international law, and are subject to sanctions and other measures by the international community.

In conclusion, the use of child soldiers is a violation of human rights and a betrayal of childhood innocence. Countries that use child soldiers are shirking their duty to provide a safe and healthy childhood for their citizens, and are sending a message that the welfare of their citizens is not a priority. The international community must continue to work together to end the use of child soldiers and ensure that all children are provided with a childhood free from violence and exploitation.