The Coalition to Stop the Use of Child Soldiers works to prevent the recruitment and use of children as soldiers, to secure their demobilisation and to ensure their rehabilitation and reintegration into society.

In approximately 17 countries around the world, children are direct participants in war. Denied a childhood and often subjected to horrific violence, many thousands of children are serving as soldiers for both rebel groups and government forces in current armed conflicts. These young combatants participate in all aspects of contemporary warfare. They wield AK-47s and M-16s on the front lines of combat, serve as human mine detectors, participate in suicide missions, carry supplies, and act as spies, messengers or lookouts.

Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the Involvement of Children in Armed Conflict (2000) The protocol sets 18 as the minimum age for direct participation in hostilities, for recruitment into armed groups, and for compulsory recruitment by governments. States may accept volunteers from the age of 16 but must deposit a binding declaration at the time of ratification or accession, setting out their minimum voluntary recruitment age and outlining certain safeguards for such recruitment.

All over the world, more than half a million children under eighteen are incorporated in armies in more than 85 countries. At the moment, three hundred thousand of them are fighting actively in wars (see country list) Some of them are only seven years old. This website provides information and testimonies of children. Also you can support a former Childsoldier!

Latest news and analysis about Children in Africa,Asia en the Middle East.

The facts about Child Soldiers

BBC news site about Child Soldiers, Wounded Children, Lost Children,Child Workers and Child-headed households.

American Friends Service Commitee webiste with articles,reports and other materials on Child Soldiers

Outside the Dream Foundation offers education and hope to those whose dreams are collapsing under the burden of extreme poverty and war. Former child soldiers, orphans, the homeless and the vulnerable are given the opportunity to attend school.

The work we do in Uganda is only part of the story. As a non-profit organization, we believe changing perceptions and lives in the Western world is just as important as changing lives in war-torn regions. We know that in order to realize greater change people must do more than empathize; they must be compelled to act. The Movement side of the company exists to creatively share the story of the invisible children, ultimately empowering a new generation of leaders to take an active role in pursuing peace and social justice. To this end, our Movement team works hand-in-hand with our Mission department to raise international awareness, ultimately bring greater aid and more permanent change to war-affected regions.