Children Not Soldiers

According to a UNICEF report in 2016, it is estimated that 535 million children (a quarter of the global child population) are living in countries affected by conflicts or natural disasters. Half of the world’s 25.4 million refugees are children under the age of 18, who are more likely to be exposed to exploitation and violence as conflict continues.

Wars and conflicts have driven children out of their homes. With their families’ livelihoods destroyed, children may starve, drop out of school or even become orphans. Events such as witnessing the demise of their loved ones or the destruction of their homes leave indelible scars in children’s hearts, causing depression and psychological trauma.

The Tragic Reality of Child Soldiers

During conflicts, children are often the most vulnerable victims who will have to live with the horrible experiences for the rest of their lives. They, no matter boys or girls, are prone to being lured to the other extreme and take part in the conflict as child soldiers. Some join simply because they want to receive food and protection, while others hope to defend their homes. Yet there are also children who are forced to join after being abducted and tortured. Some child soldiers are even brainwashed to commit horrifying acts of extreme cruelty, such as executions and suicide attacks. In any circumstance, children are the greatest victims of war.

The Tragic Reality of Child Soldiers

Children Not Soldiers

It is imperative for us to mitigate the harm conflicts inflict on children. We must immediately halt the practice of manipulating children as tools for wars, such as luring them or forcing them to take part in fighting, or using them as human shields.

World Vision has been advocating for the notion of ‘Children, Not Soldiers’ at international arena and at conflict zones. Join ‘World Vision Partners’ to ensure children enjoy a proper childhood they are entitled to.

Children Not Soldiers

World Vision’s response to the issue of child soldier includes two major aspects:

World Vision’s response to the issue of child soldier includes two major aspects:

Children Not Soldiers

Tens of thousands of children are involved in armed conflicts which leave them with life-long scars. World Vision dedicates itself to build harmonious communities in conflict zones, to prevent any child from being coerced to become a child soldier; we also assist former child soldiers to reintegrate into their families and communities.

Join ‘World Vision Partners’ to ensure children will enjoy a proper childhood they are entitled to.

To ensure our work is carried out efficiently in an ever-changing world, World Vision will support different regions and allocate funds to particular projects according to the most current needs.

Children Not Soldiers

Join ‘World Vision Partners’ to ensure children will enjoy a proper childhood they are entitled to.

To ensure our work is carried out efficiently in an ever-changing world, World Vision will support different regions and allocate funds to particular projects according to the most current needs.