Elisabeth Platt
Egypt
Third Main Committee
Child Exploitation in Armed Conflict
The use of child soldiers against their will within armed conflict is currently a horrendous
issue facing our world. As many countries exploiting children in military situations are in
underdeveloped regions, it is necessary that action is taken by the United Nations to assure that
those in the military are at least eighteen, or able to make the decision to join the military without
the prodding of their government.
In efforts to eliminate child exploitation in armed conflict, the UN must guard more
closely those countries currently known to use child soldiers, interfering without hesitation when
problems arise. In addition, the UN should work with countries imposing a compulsory
recruitment into the military, making sure that the minimum age of recruitment is eighteen, or
older, if that country so pleases. This way, the UN may feel safe, knowing that no child is forced
into a military situation. Various countries should also do what they can to stop this issue by
refusing to sell arms to countries proven to exploit children within their military, and spend
money on humanitarian aid. By providing children with homes and education, they become less
likely to turn to or be forced into the military. Countries abusing the donated money shall
experience a withdrawal, so the money may be put to better use elsewhere.
Egypt currently has a compulsory recruitment age of eighteen, and a voluntary
recruitment age of sixteen. For the most part, those under sixteen participate in administration
and maintenance work, not being involved in training or combat situations until they reach the
age of eighteen. This way, those under the age of eighteen in need of payment and shelter may
join the military, but remain out of harm’s way. As stated in the February 2007 Declaration on
accession to Optional Protocol, “The Arab Republic of Egypt is committed to ensuring that
voluntary recruitment is genuine and entirely willing, with the informed consent of the parents or
legal guardians after the volunteers have been fully informed of the duties included in such
voluntary military service and based on reliable evidence of the age of volunteers.”
When children are involved in armed conflict, they are often afflicted with Post
Traumatic Stress Disorder, or PTSD. The UN should establish a system in which these children
may receive counseling and means to create a productive adulthood. When countries exploiting
child soldiers refuse to abide by international law, they shall experience an immediate
withdrawal of aid and the UN should intervene, ending the corruption and exploitation.
Currently, the exploitation of children in armed conflict is a deeply destructive, yet
widespread, practice within our world. As a peacekeeping organization, the United Nations must
offer all assistance possible in ending the atrocities in various underdeveloped nations exploiting
child soldiers.