child soldiers

On child soldiers …

An increasing number of children are involved in armed conflicts with great physical and psychological implications. Africa has the highest number of child soldiers. However, UNICEF has also found an alarming number of child soldiers in the East Asia-Pacific Region. They also discovered that Burma (Myanmar) has more children soldiers than any other country in the world. It is estimated that there are 70,000 children in the Burmese state army alone, in addition to the 7,000 children fighters in opposition armed groups. +

Children involved in armed conflict are frequently killed or injured during combat or while carrying out other tasks. They are forced to engage in hazardous activities such as laying mines or explosives, as well as using weapons. Punishments for mistakes or desertion are often very severe. Girl soldiers are particularly at risk of rape, sexual harassment and abuse as well as being involved in combat and other tasks. +

Marcus Bleasdale, photographer