Child Soldiers

This book exposes the role of children in war, describing where, why, and how children are deployed, the attempts made by international organizations to protect children, and the underlying political and cultural issues that make this such a thorny issue.In conflict-torn countries such as Myanmar and Uganda, the use of child soldiers in military and paramilitary operations continues to occur despite widespread condemnation and the efforts of organizations such as the Coalition to Stop the Use of Child Soldiers. This book will allow readers to grasp the impact of this issue for both individuals and nations worldwide. Child Soldiers: A Reference Handbook traces the evolution of child soldiers from approximately 1940 onwards, covering important historical to modern conflicts. The subject is discussed from a global perspective, with particular attention given to areas where the use of child soldiers is most prevalent. The book covers the complex underlying reasons for the continued use of child soldiers in the modern world, examines the political and psychological consequences of using children—both male and female—in military and paramilitary organizations, and describes how this subject has been addressed by international law and various human rights organizations.A chronology of major events in the efforts to limit the use of child soldiers Biographical sketches of famous child soldiers and key figures in the effort to ban the use of child soldiers A directory of organizations involved in the child soldier issue

"This well-written book provides good coverage of its subject, offering a chronology, historical background, and detailed material on legislation and on organizations that are trying to make a difference." - Choice, "This title from ABC-CLIO’s Contemporary World Issues series addresses a vital, pressing global concern. . . . The writing is clear, and the work is well organized. It is current through 2011 and fulfills the goal of being useful for students, researchers, and the general public. For most collections." - Booklist

David M. Rosen is professor of anthropology and law at Fairleigh Dickinson University, NJ. His published works include Armies of the Young: Child Soldiers in War and Terrorism.