title: Child soldiers and children associated with the fighting forces.
abstract: Experience has shown that the breakdown of protective structures such as families and communities, particularly in times of conflict, leaves children vulnerable to recruitment into armed groups. These children are subject to gross violations of their human rights, such as the right to protection from harm, violence and abuse. At least 300,000 children are currently being used to fight in armed conflicts in over 30 countries across the world. Girls and boys are abducted, coerced or persuaded to join armed forces, often in brutal circumstances. These children are usually involved in internal conflicts, where poverty and exclusion leave very few other viable options--becoming soldiers may appear to be their only means of survival. Many, however, sustain physical injuries and permanent disabilities as a result of combat and it is impossible to know how many are killed. A large number encounter health problems such as sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV/AIDS. Lack of data on the health of child soldiers means that appropriate medical care and treatment may be inadequate or inaccessible, even during a planned demobilization. There is an urgent need for systematic research and data collection in order to better understand and provide for the healthcare of all children leaving armed groups.
authors.affiliation: Emergencies Section, Save the Children UK, London. s.uppard@scfuk.org.uk
authors.forename: Sarah
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Uppard
mesh_terms: D002648:Child; D002669:Child Welfare / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008889:Military Personnel; D013313:Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / Q000209:etiology; D014857:Warfare