34 research outputs found
The impact of child soldiers on rebel groupsâ fighting capacities
Several rebel groups actively recruit children to serve among their ranks. While this constitutes one of the most egregious violations of childrenâs rights, it remains unclear what impact recruited children have on the fighting capacities of these armed groups. The existing research suggests that, on the one hand, armed groups drafting children might also be militarily effective, since it is cheaper to provide for children, they are more obedient and aggressive than adults, and easily manipulable. On the other hand, children may negatively affect rebel groupsâ fighting capacities as they are less proficient combatants than adults and often difficult to control. We add to this debate by systematically analyzing the quantitative evidence on the impact of child soldiers on rebel groupsâ fighting capacities. Based on the analysis of newly compiled data on child recruitment by rebel groups between 1989 and 2010, our analyses show that children may actually increase rebel groupsâ fighting capacities. That said, rebelsâ ability to procure arms and the access to resources seem to be more important determinants of fighting capacity. The authors discuss these findings in light of policy implications and avenues for future research. </jats:p
Reintegration of child soldiers in Burundi: A tracer study
Background
Substantial attention and resources are aimed at the reintegration of child soldiers, yet rigorous evaluations are rare. Methods
This tracer study was conducted among former child soldiers (N=452) and never-recruited peers (N=191) who participated in an economic support program in Burundi. Socio-economic outcome indicators were measured retrospectively for the period before receiving support (T1; 2005â06); immediately afterwards (T2; 2006â07); and at present (T3; 2010). Participants also rated present functional impairment and mental health indicators. Results
Participants reported improvement on all indicators, especially economic opportunity and social integration. At present no difference existed between both groups on any of the outcome indicators. Socio-economic functioning was negatively related with depression- and, health complaints and positively with intervention satisfaction. Conclusion
The present study demonstrates promising reintegration trajectories of former child soldiers after participating in a support program
United Kingdom Coalition to Stop the Use of Child Soldiers
Title from folder. Folder containing 15 loose leavesAvailable from British Library Document Supply Centre- DSC:m03/14532 / BLDSC - British Library Document Supply CentreSIGLEGBUnited Kingdo
Stop using child soldiers
Also known as article no. 9094SIGLEAvailable from British Library Document Supply Centre-DSC:m01/22938 / BLDSC - British Library Document Supply CentreGBUnited Kingdo