Child soldiers aren’t born – they’re made.
These are children who start out with dreams and aspirations that are quickly ripped away as they kill in order to survive. They are taken from their families and turned into killing machines, unrecognizable to their family and friends. They are taken and hidden, out of sight from those who care about them. Invisible to civilians – they become dependent on the rebels they fight for.
INITIATION
The initiation into military ranks is both physically and emotionally grueling. Children are run through brutal training regimens with little sleep or food. This leaves them malnourished and exhausted. Too exhausted to flee or fight.
Children are often required to commit acts of violence such as rape and killing of escapees, civilians and even family members. This initiation is used to keep children from escaping, as they have been “stigmatized” for having killed a member of the community and can no longer return to their villages. Many are given drugs to remove inhibitions toward violence and deaden the effects of conscience. These children then become dependent on the military to provide them food, shelter, drugs and even psychological support. The military becomes their new family.
the plight of children affected by war
“Somebody being shot in front of you, or you yourself shooting somebody became just like drinking a glass of water – Ishmael Beah”
Beah is a member of the Human Rights Watch Children’s Rights Division Advisory Committee and has spoken to various governmental bodies about the plight of children affected by war. He is also the head of the Ishmael Beah Foundation, dedicated to helping former child soldiers find new lives by reintegrating into society.