Discussion:
1. Not all children involved in armed conflict are kidnapped. Some are recruited and some choose to seek out the military forces. Why would they do this? What choices do they have?
I would think that the children who seek out the military forces are those without hope. They are terrified of what is to come of them and their families and to them, taking sides with those most powerful in their society is their only option. Many realize that it will provide them with food, shelter and protection; this fulfills the basic needs within Maslow's Heirarchy of Needs. Their choices are essentially to kill or be killed.
2. What are the reasons for using children in armed conflict?
For one, these children are considered to be 'cannon fodder;' many armed forces have the opinion that these children can be replaced, unlike adults of high societal ranking. Also, they are at an impressionable age. They can be taught new belief systems and morals, whereas adults have often already formed opinions on several controversial subjects.
3. What are the moral issues of using children in armed conflict?
Firstly, why would anyone want to inflict such terror and torment on another person? Secondly, because these children are so impressionable, their leaders are enabling them to pursue an illogical future, and lead their society in a similar direction. Thirdly, these children are our future, and their leaders are killing them off.
4. How does society suffer when children are used in armed conflict?
Society will suffer not only due to the obvious war and violence thrust upon them, but also due to the fact that in the future, they will suffer from the consequences of the morals taught to the child soldiers. There will be continuous wars and their government will more than likely be corrupt due to the fact that these child soldiers are a part of the generation that will rule said society's government.
2. What are the reasons for using children in armed conflict?
For one, these children are considered to be 'cannon fodder;' many armed forces have the opinion that these children can be replaced, unlike adults of high societal ranking. Also, they are at an impressionable age. They can be taught new belief systems and morals, whereas adults have often already formed opinions on several controversial subjects.
3. What are the moral issues of using children in armed conflict?
Firstly, why would anyone want to inflict such terror and torment on another person? Secondly, because these children are so impressionable, their leaders are enabling them to pursue an illogical future, and lead their society in a similar direction. Thirdly, these children are our future, and their leaders are killing them off.
4. How does society suffer when children are used in armed conflict?
Society will suffer not only due to the obvious war and violence thrust upon them, but also due to the fact that in the future, they will suffer from the consequences of the morals taught to the child soldiers. There will be continuous wars and their government will more than likely be corrupt due to the fact that these child soldiers are a part of the generation that will rule said society's government.
5. How are child soldiers supposed to be treated when they are captured?
Child soldiers should be treated as victims. They need psychological rehabilitation, and not to be persecuted due to biased opinions on what they have been forced to do.
Child soldiers should be treated as victims. They need psychological rehabilitation, and not to be persecuted due to biased opinions on what they have been forced to do.
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