Submitted by crinadmin on
Summary: This report (launched 12 June)
comprehensively documentes this
worldwide problem for the first time.
In more than 30 countries, hundreds
of thousands of children are fighting
as soldiers with armed forces and
armed opposition groups. In more
than 85 countries even more children
are recruited into government armed
forces, paramilitaries, civil militia and
non-state armed groups.31 May 2001
For more information contact: Judit Arenas, +44 20 7226 0606 or
+44 7932 035 980
Launch of first ever, global report on child soldiers
The Coalition to Stop the Use of Child Soldiers will launch the
Global Report on Child Soldiers 2001 on 12 June, comprehensively
documenting this worldwide problem for the first time.
In more than 30 countries around the world, hundreds of
thousands of children are fighting as soldiers with armed forces
and armed opposition groups. While in more than 85 countries
even more children are recruited into government armed forces,
paramilitaries, civil militia and non-state armed groups.
The up-to-date Global Report analyses the problem of child
soldiers in 178 countries, from Colombia and Sierra Leone to
Macedonia and the UK. It also provides an overall commentary on
the impact of soldiering on children and studies regional patterns.
The Coalition will be in Johannesburg and New York to present
the findings to journalists. Former child soldiers and parents of
abducted children will also talk about their experiences at these
press briefings.
On 12 June national members of the Coalition will also release
the Global Report from various locations around the world,
including Bangkok, Karachi, Kathmandu, Amman, Beirut,
Stockholm, London, Paris, Rome, New York, Asuncion and Bogota.
This report aims to strengthen the campaign for a worldwide ban
on the recruitment of under-18s as soldiers – not just by armed
groups but governments as well.
Note to editors:
The full report and media kit will be available on-line by visiting
our website: www.child-soldiers.org.
Our media officers are happy to arrange interviews, facilitate
opinion pieces and provide copies of the report.