Recruitment of Child Soldiers

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"Children belong on playgrounds, not battlegrounds. The use of child soldiers is one of the most egregious human right violations of our times" affirms Rep. Jeff Fortenberry after witnessing a human tragedy, of children who were forced into military service. Today, an estimated 300,000 children under the age 18 are participating in armed conflicts worldwide. Approximately 20 countries, including The United States of America actively recruits children under age 18. Most children soldiers range in age from 15 to 17 years old, but others as young as 7 years of age have been stationed. Because formal age documentation does not exist in many areas, children are frequently passed off as being older than they really are. These statistics represent only a "snapshot" of the problem, children are recruited, captured, demobilized, wounded, or even killed every passing day reveal Rachel Brett & Irma Specht in their book Young soldiers, why they choose to fight(13). Currently, military recruiting will endeavor to engage new recruits in multiple fashions, in order to convince people to join the service. The methodology our government utilizes to recruit military personnel is a shameful process, lying or offering signing bonuses, or by specifically targeting certain groups of underprivileged students depreciates the value of lives targeted for recruitment. The armed forces have expended vast amounts of money by posting advertisements in order to entice young people to join. Disturbingly, recruiting tactics include visiting schools and by handing out free merchandise, including free video games that simulate actual training. Also the federal ?No Child Left Behind? enacted ... ... middle of paper ... ...ewsWatch Complete. Chabot College Lib.,Hayward,CA.11/13/2007 < http:// proquest.umi.com/ login?>. Pride, Karen. ?Uncle Sam wants (and needs)you? Chicago Defender magazine 9 September, 2000.pg11 ProQuest Ethnic NewsWatch Complete. Chabot College Lib.,Hayward,CA.11/14/2007 < http:// proquest.umi.com/ login?>. Smith, L. Byron. ?Cosby?s Words Reinforced by Actions of Military recruiters.? Sentinel. 9-15 November, 2006. Vol.72,Iss14,pgA6 ProQuest Ethnic NewsWatch Complete. Chabot College Lib.,Hayward,CA.11/13/2007 < http:// proquest. umi.com/login?>.

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