US: Cut Military Aid to Governments using Child Soldiers by Human Rights Watch 6:33pm 2nd Apr, 2007   April 2007    Of 10 governments worldwide implicated in the recruitment or use of children as soldiers, nine receive US military assistance.    A new bipartisan bill introduced by US Senators Richard Durbin and Sam Brownback would restrict such aid.    Child Soldiers    In over twenty countries around the world, children are direct participants in war. Denied a childhood and often subjected to horrific violence, an estimated 200,000 to 300,000 children are serving as soldiers for both rebel groups and government forces in current armed conflicts. These young combatants participate in all aspects of contemporary warfare. They wield AK-47s and M-16s on the front lines of combat, serve as human mine detectors, participate in suicide missions, carry supplies, and act as spies, messengers or lookouts.    Physically vulnerable and easily intimidated, children typically make obedient soldiers. Many are abducted or recruited by force, and often compelled to follow orders under threat of death. Others join armed groups out of desperation. As society breaks down during conflict, leaving children no access to school, driving them from their homes, or separating them from family members, many children perceive armed groups as their best chance for survival. Others seek escape from poverty or join military forces to avenge family members who have been killed. Visit the related web page
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