Solutions for Child Soldiers

The solutions for that complicated problem are beyond an individual ability. To solve that global problem, Ali Shaikh gives some suggestions and he starts with a phrase: “cooperate of one and all.”

His suggestions fall into three groups. First is the intervention of powerful nations such as the U.S. If powerful nations are involved in the issue, more and more people will know and discuss about this problem. As a result, we will soon find the methods to protect the children. Second, he mentions the important role of media. In addition, media is a crucial part of the solution. With media, the human rights and international agreements about protecting children will be popularized. the governments around the world should work together to find the methods for this problem. Third, the rest of the society, rather than keeping silence, we can protest, denounce the child recruitments to the authorities, and raise the awareness about this issues (20-22).

In addition, the international laws should be discussed and adjusted to be effective to ban the use of children in wars. In the conflict countries, the government could establish some schools with the purpose to help former child soldiers who suffer from war-trauma (Klasen et.al). Also, the government should provide education in Africa countries. With education, people will be more aware of child soldiers issue. It is also essential to provide suitable medical treatments for former child soldiers to overcome war effects. To protect child soldiers, generally, it must have both methods to prevent recruitment and methods to help former child soldiers reintegrate life after war. With all the cooperation, this sad song about child solders could have more happy chords.

Reference:

Klasen, Fiona, et al. “Posttraumatic Resilience in Former Ugandan Child Soldiers.” Child Development, vol. 81 issues 4, pp. 1096-1113. Academic Search Complete, doi:10.1111/j.1467-8624.2010.01456.x

Ali, Shaikh M. “Child Soldiers.” 2001, https://www.ma-law.org.pk/pdf/Child %20Soldier%20eidted.pdf.