Are there still child soldiers in Congo?

In the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, children as young as six are routinely recruited by militias and taught to kill. It is estimated that 8- to 16-year-old-children make up 60% of combatants in the region.

How many child soldiers are in the Congo?

It is estimated in the academic literature that up to 300,000 children form a part of both irregular, and regular armed forces worldwide, and that this number is increasing.

How does UNICEF help children who are child soldiers?

UNICEF’S response We support the release and reintegration of thousands of children who exit armed forces and groups each year – providing a safe place for them to live upon release, as well as community-based services for case management, family tracing, reunification and psychosocial support.

How many child soldiers has UNICEF helped?

Around the world, UNICEF has helped more than 8,700 children released from armed groups readjust to civilian life and find their families since 2017.

How many child soldiers are there in Africa 2021?

According to a recent report released by The Coalition to Stop the Use of Child Soldiers, more than 300,000 children under the age of 18 serve as child soldiers with government armed forces and armed opposition groups worldwide, with over 120,000 of them located in Sub-Saharan Africa alone (The Coalition to Stop the …

What is Congo doing to stop child soldiers?

The report said Congo had increased trafficking probes and prosecutions, and undertaken measures to prevent the use of child soldiers – by removing them from armed groups and securing pledges from militia commanders to renounce child recruitment.

How are child soldiers used in Congo?

A cruel tactic that the soldiers have acquired is recruiting and abducting children from their homes and enlisting them to fight, mostly against their will. It is also important to note that over 35 percent of these children were recruited voluntarily.

What is the youngest age of child soldiers?

The practice of child soldiers is far more widespread, and more important, than most realize. There are as many as 300,000 children under the age of 18 presently serving as combatants around the globe. Their average age is just over 12 years old. The youngest ever was an armed 5 year old in Uganda.

Which country in Africa has the most child soldiers?

A new report by the United Nations Children’s Fund says children in West and Central Africa have become the most recruited by armed groups in the world and have the highest number of victims of sexual violence.

How is the DRC responding to child soldiers?

In 2012, the DRC signed a plan of action within the framework of two United Nations resolutions, to end and prevent the use of child soldiers. Between 2012 and 2015, it took a number of significant steps to realize the objectives of this plan.