They are only children...

We celebrate pregnancy and the momentous arrival of our beautiful, precious babies into the world. We dedicate enormous amounts of effort into raising our children and trying to provide them the best opportunities life can offer. And then the unthinkable happens.

It's hard to fathom the use of children as soldiers in wars throughout the world but this human rights atrocity is very real.  While the vast majority of child soldiers are male, girls also suffer a similar fate.  At a time when they should be enjoying their childhood, these children are used to actively engage in combat, trained to kill, used as human shields, serve as sex slaves, subjected to drug abuse, among many other military and domestic tasks.  As a result, those who "survive" suffer incredible physical, social, and psychological damage.  Though you may think only "rebel forces" are responsible, it may surprise you to learn that globally, so-called "civilised governments" engage in this unscrupulous practise.

I am deeply disturbed by war in and of itself, and even more so by the consequential, inevitable death of human beings on both sides of any given conflict, especially innocent women and children.  Child soldiers, even as they take hold of that gun, are victims of their oppressors.  Let us do our best to bring an end to this vicious cycle.  

Please take a moment to view the featured videos below.

*Click here to view the documentary "Blood Never Dry" narrated by Kiefer Sutherland and the cast of the new season of 24.

*For further information, please visit the Coalition to stop the use of Child Soldiers.

*Please review applicable facts and figures in the Child Soldiers Global Report 2008.

*For more videos on the situation in Burma, visit Burma Can't Wait.