5 Things about Child Soldiers that you could mention on your blog
November 28, 2008
1. Over 66% of casualties in war are children
In the Democratic Republic of Congo, 2.7 million children have died as a result of conflict
In Afghanistan, 1 in 4 children will die before the age of 5 due to war
2. 300,000 (estimated) children are affected
Boys and girls under the age of 18 – are today involved in more than 30 conflicts worldwide. Children are used as: Combatants, messengers, porters and cooks and for forced sexual services
3. Your cell phone may be inadvertently funding the death toll!
Every cell phone contains a mineral called coltan, which is mostly deposited in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Illegal coltan exports are a primary source of funding for a conflict that has claimed over 5 million live
4. War Child’s programs look at “preventing”
By offering economic opportunities to young people and their families, as well as education opportunities and peace building courses/activities
5. War Child also focuses on “reintegration”
Former child soldiers have access to our education, psychosocial and livelihoods, and child rights programming
Sadly, there are more than just 5. For more information on War Child’s “Help Child Soldiers” campaign go to www.helpchildsoldiers.com
