CHILD SOLDIERS

Child soldier is defined a "child associated with an armed force or armed group refers to any person below 18 years of age who is, or who has been, recruited or used by an armed force or armed group in any capacity, including but not limited to children, boys and girls, used as fighters, cooks, porters, spies or for sexual purposes." (*) Today, it is estimated that 200,000 to 300,000 children in twenty countries are involved in war activities, in which 71% of children are under 15, and the majority are active in Africa and the Middle East. They fight on the front lines, participate in suicide missions, and act as spies, messengers, or lookouts. Girls are forced into sexual slavery.