A recent study at Cornell University states that by coercing children into militias, armies are inhibiting chances for peace. "The endless supply of adolescent soldiers is an unfortunate source of energy for warfare and, we think, a poorly understood obstacle to peace-making in many countries," said Charles Geisler, professor of development sociology at Cornell. Geisler finds that warfare displaces families, and displacement makes children vulnerable to military recruitment, which, in turn, feeds "a war machine that cannibalizes children." The continual supply of obedient, cheap and disposable child soldiers allows war to continue through a "morally repulsive" vicious cycle, the researchers say.
In Colombia alone, over 2,000 children under the age of 15 are guerilla combatants. For half a century Colombia has seen brutal civil war, between government troops and two rebel factions, the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) and the National Liberation Army (ELN). A recent report found that in 2003 more people died in this conflict than in Iraq and Afghanistan combined.
Many young Colombians are leading a peace campaign, 'The Children's Movement for Peace' seeks to create an environment for children to grow up in free from violence. Three million Colombian youths voted for the movement's referendum to fight for their right to a peaceful future. Rad!
In Colombia alone, over 2,000 children under the age of 15 are guerilla combatants. For half a century Colombia has seen brutal civil war, between government troops and two rebel factions, the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) and the National Liberation Army (ELN). A recent report found that in 2003 more people died in this conflict than in Iraq and Afghanistan combined.
Many young Colombians are leading a peace campaign, 'The Children's Movement for Peace' seeks to create an environment for children to grow up in free from violence. Three million Colombian youths voted for the movement's referendum to fight for their right to a peaceful future. Rad!
Members of the Children's Movement for Peace give a soldier a sticker that reads "soldier for peace" as part of their campaign.
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