Finally, the nations are actually thinking of combating the menace, which leads to conscription of children. Thus, some 58 countries have signed a ‘Paris commitments’ to protect children from being recruited as soldiers in wars.
According to the pact, government would be directly responsible to prosecute recruiters or commanders of child soldiers and to seek the unconditional release of all children enrolled in armed groups.
The predicaments of girls have also been highlighted since they are kidnapped to work as domestic slaves for fighting squads. In addition, they have been physically and psychologically victimized by their abuser. Nearly, girls make up round about 40% of the squadron.
It has been assumed that nearly, 250,000 child soldiers are fighting in 12 countries globally, primarily in Africa and Asia.
In the meantime, time will tell how far the effort will go but one thing is sure, if it works accordingly, ‘Paris commitments’ would be a major step that could inject new momentum to international efforts to end the use of children in combat.
