Despite efforts to end recruitment of child soldiers, children inevitably become soldiers when armed conflicts exist. Specifically in Africa, children are used in private militia groups, or are even forced to fight in their National army. Often, girls are raped and sexually abused, and the children are forced to commit and witness human right abuses. Our organization will focus on this issue in three countries in Africa- Rwanda, Uganda, and Somalia. Our mission is to free child soldiers and support the Demobilization disamament and reintegration. We will focus on making a difference in Rwanda, Uganda and Somalia.

Vital Statistics 

• The number of children under the age of 18 who have been coerced or induced to take 

up arms as child soldiers is generally thought to be in the range of 300,000. 

• Most soldiers under 15 are to be found in non-governmental military organizations. 

• Most child soldiers under 18 have been recruited into Governmental armed forces. 

• The youngest child soldiers are about 7 years old. 

• An optional protocol prohibiting the recruitment or use of children as soldiers was 

completed and opened for signature and ratification by all States in June 2000. 

• Over 50 countries currently recruit children under age 18 into their armed forces.