The recruitment and use of child soldiers steals the future of children. It is one of the most serious violations of children's rights. Globally, the United Nations documented nearly 10,000 cases of child recruitment in 2017 and identified 61 parties to conflict in over 20 countries still using children as soldiers. This practice must end.
World Vision works with former child soldiers to support reintegration and recovery. We also work alongside communities, families and children to protect children from recruitment in the first place. We commissioned this research to gain a deeper understanding of how to prevent child recruitment, especially for children who feel they have no choice but to join an armed force or group due to extreme hardship. This report proposes solutions to end child recruitment and provides recommendations for governments and the international community.