Glossary Term

Children associated with armed forces and armed groups

Children may be abducted or recruited by force or may join the fighting forces 'voluntarily.' They do not always take up arms. They may be porters, spies, cooks, or victims of grave sexual violence. These children are deprived of the opportunity for education. During demobilization and reintegration processes, special attention must be given to their specific educational needs, including formal and non-formal education, accelerated learning, life skills, and vocational learning. Particular attention needs to be given to girls, who are often overlooked and omitted from rehabilitation programs.