Children – Not Soldiers: Guidelines for Working With Child Soldiers and Children Associated with Fighting Forces

Summary

The strengthening of international law and recognition of the problem of children’s military recruitment by the UN Security Council are important achievements. However, these initiatives must be complemented by practical measures that give children, their families and communities viable alternatives to recruitment, that prioritise the release and demobilisation of children from fighting forces and support their reintegration.

Children – Not Soldiers provides guidance for those working with children directly involved in armed conflict on these and other key areas. Drawing on existing and emerging lessons of experience from different countries, it highlights issues of special concern and areas where further research is needed. It will be useful for people working directly with children as well as for managers and policy-makers.