The Rights of Children in International Criminal Law Children as Actor and Victim of Crime

by Ruiter, D. de

• ISBN13: 9789058870896
• ISBN10: 9058870898
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2011-10-28
• Publisher: International Courts Association

Summary

The use of children as soldiers has been universally condemned as abhorrent and unacceptable. Yet, over the last decade hundreds of thousands of children have fought and died in conflicts around the world. Children involved in armed conflict are frequently killed or injured during combat or while carrying out other tasks. They are forced to engage in hazardous activities such as laying mines or explosives, as well as using weapons. Child soldiers are usually forced to live under harsh conditions with insufficient food and little or no access to healthcare. They are almost always treated brutally, subjected to beatings and humiliating treatment. Punishments for mistakes or desertion are often very severe. Girl soldiers are particularly at risk of rape, sexual harassment and abuse as well as being involved in combat and other tasks.Children can be actors in wars when they become soldiers to fight for a party and at the same time children will be the bigest victim of these wars. This book examines recent case law, developments and actions being taken by the international community.