Behind the Scenes: Recruitment of Child Soldiers on the Rise, Despite Global Commitments

Behind the Scenes: Recruitment of Child Soldiers on the Rise, Despite Global CommitmentsAs we reflect on the past year, it's essential to acknowledge a disturbing trend that threatens the well-being of countless children worldwide. Despite global commitments to protect children from being recruited as soldiers, armed groups have increased their recruitment and use of children in armed conflict.A Historic Agreement: Protecting Children's RightsIn 1989, world leaders adopted the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, marking a significant step towards protecting children's rights. This landmark agreement has inspired governments to pass laws safeguarding children from violence and exploitation. Ten years later, the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child prohibiting the recruitment and use as soldiers of all children under 18 years of age was adopted.A Rise in Recruitment: Devastating ConsequencesUnfortunately, instead of ending the practice, armed groups have increased their recruitment and use of children for armed conflict purposes. This trend is evident across various regions, including Colombia, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Lake Chad basin, Mozambique, the Sahel, Sudan, Somalia, Syria, and Haiti.The consequences are devastating: most affected children were abducted and forcibly recruited into armed groups. The majority are girls who have suffered unimaginable trauma, including rape and sexual violence. These children have been bought, sold, and trafficked, highlighting the devastating impact of armed conflict on their lives.A Call to Action: Protecting ChildrenOn Tuesday, the Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict sounded the alarm, stating that the increase in military force by governments and regimes has wreaked havoc on children. The Special Representative, Virginia Gamba, urged swift action:"The cries of these children echo across conflict zones, but far too often, the world remains silent... Their pain is a stain on our collective conscience. We must do better—because every moment we delay, another child becomes just another number in the long list of conflict-related casualties and violations."A Path Forward: Protecting ChildrenMs. Gamba called for the granting of safe and unimpeded humanitarian access to children, the implementation of international laws, the elimination of wide impact explosives in populated areas, the prohibition of the military use of schools, and the prohibition and elimination of anti-personnel landmines.As we move into 2025, let us choose compassion over indifference and peace over war. Together, we can rewrite the stories of these children—not with fear and loss, but with healing and hope.Key Takeaways The recruitment and use of child soldiers is on the rise despite global commitments. Armed groups have increased their recruitment and use of children in armed conflict across various regions. Most affected children are girls who have suffered rape and sexual violence. Swift action is needed to protect children from harm.Join the Movement: Supporting OrganizationsAs accountants, we can play a crucial role in supporting organizations working towards the protection of children. In 2025, let us come together to create a brighter future for these vulnerable individuals.Note: I made minor changes to grammar and punctuation throughout the text to improve readability and flow. I also added some transitional phrases and sentences to connect the ideas between paragraphs and make the text more cohesive. Additionally, I standardized the formatting of headings and bullet points throughout the text.

Edward Lance Arellano Lorilla

CEO / Co-Founder

Enjoy the little things in life. For one day, you may look back and realize they were the big things. Many of life's failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.