In our world today, there are an estimated number of 300,000 child soldiers. This high number can only be approximated since war children are invisible: no one can track them as they are forced to join armed forces or as they are killed. Not only are they underage, but some boys and girls are as young as 7 years old. We say boys and girls because this issue affects both genders . Yes, girls are soldiers too -in addition to being used as \"rebels\' wives\". Most of war children are completely forced to join military groups; others get manipulated; some decide to get involved in order to escape from the poverty and discrimination they endure. -Imagine a childhood lived under the influence of drugs administered to you, a childhood stolen by sexual abuses and numerous maltreatments. -Imagine a childhood in which one is raised to murder and torture as being likely subjected to persecution and/or death. -Imagine having a militarily group for family; blood, violence and misery for playground and war for school. --This is the situation underage soldiers live through.-- Geographically, the heart of the problem is essentially located in the third world nations of Africa. However, it does not mean that we are not concerned: political leadership by a peacekeeper country such as Canada is a key solution. By signing this petition, I express myself as a Canadian citizen assuming my nation\'s responsibility towards humanity\'s future: children. I acknowledge the kids\' right to grow up in a conflict free environment, in which they do not suffer of being a war child. Consequently, I urge Canadian Government to bring the topic of child soldiers at the United Nations Assembly. An international effort can be set off to ensure the respect of children\'s rights currently violated by armed forces using them as warriors.

Sponsor

Links