THE RECRUITMENT AND THE USE OF CHILDREN IN ARMED CONFLICTS IN THE CURRENT WORLD: A CHALLENGE FOR THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY

Abstract

Child recruitment is experiencing an increase in the recent years and one of the main reasons is the changing character of both international and non-international armed conflicts. The vulnerability of children makes easier their targeting by armed forces and armed groups to be recruited and figures are alarming, In this sense, international legal framework is developing to adress properly the child soldiers phenomenon and tackle the consequences they suffer. Additionally, an extra effort is needed to deal with terrrorist groups and to fight against impunity of perpetrators to protect children's rights.