Increase awareness of existing regulations

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 10 views

International Humanitarian Law Review of Children's Army in War Situation between Afghanistan and the United States

Introduction

The use of children's army in war situations is a serious form of human rights violations that has become a major concern in international humanitarian law. In a situation of armed conflict, especially between Afghanistan and the United States, the existence of child soldiers has become a major issue that needs to be addressed. This article aims to review the regulations on children's army in the context of war between Afghanistan and the United States, as well as the implications of the failure of this law enforcement.

The Legal Framework of International Humanitarian Law

International humanitarian law confirms that individuals under the age of eighteen years should not be recruited or used as soldiers. The 1949 Geneva Convention and the 1907 Hague Convention are two of the most important international treaties that regulate the conduct of war and provide protection to victims, including children trapped in conflict. However, despite the existence of these legal frameworks, the practice of recruiting children's army still occurs on the battlefield.

The Reality of Children's Army in Afghanistan

In Afghanistan, many children are forced to fight, both by non-state armed groups and by conflicting parties. This shows the gap between legal norms and reality in the field. The lack of effective law enforcement is one of the main reasons why children are still used in conflict. In the field, it is difficult to ensure that all parties comply with international law, especially when political and military interests are a priority. In addition, many communities are trapped in poverty, so that children are seen as resources that can be utilized.

The Negative Impact of the Use of Children's Soldiers

The use of children's soldiers in armed conflicts has a very detrimental impact. Not only threatens the physical and psychological safety of children, but also damage the social and cultural structure of society. Children involved in battles often experience deep trauma, which can affect their mental health in the long run. This also affects their ability to function normally in society after the conflict ends. In addition, the existence of children's soldiers also has the potential to extend conflict. When children are involved in violence, they can become a new generation affected by the cycle of violence, which makes the peace process more complicated.

The Role of International Community in Preventing the Use of Children's Soldiers

Although international humanitarian law provides a strong foundation for the protection of children in war situations, its implementation is still very weak. Failure to stop the practice of recruiting children's soldiers in Afghanistan highlights the need for more assertive actions from the international community. By increasing awareness of existing regulations and implementing effective law enforcement, it is expected that the practice of exploitation of children in armed conflicts can be minimized. In facing this challenge, collaboration between countries, international organizations, and civil society is very important to create a safer environment for children and prevent them from being stuck in the scene of war.

Conclusion

The use of children's army in war situations is a serious form of human rights violations that needs to be addressed. The existence of child soldiers in Afghanistan highlights the need for more assertive actions from the international community. By increasing awareness of existing regulations and implementing effective law enforcement, it is expected that the practice of exploitation of children in armed conflicts can be minimized. In facing this challenge, collaboration between countries, international organizations, and civil society is very important to create a safer environment for children and prevent them from being stuck in the scene of war.

Recommendations

Increase awareness of existing regulations: The international community needs to increase awareness of existing regulations on children's army in war situations.
Implement effective law enforcement: Effective law enforcement is necessary to prevent the practice of recruiting children's soldiers.
Collaboration between countries, international organizations, and civil society: Collaboration between countries, international organizations, and civil society is very important to create a safer environment for children and prevent them from being stuck in the scene of war.

Future Research Directions

Study on the impact of children's army on children's mental health: Further research is needed to study the impact of children's army on children's mental health.
Analysis of the role of non-state armed groups in recruiting children's soldiers: Further research is needed to analyze the role of non-state armed groups in recruiting children's soldiers.
Development of effective strategies to prevent the use of children's soldiers: Further research is needed to develop effective strategies to prevent the use of children's soldiers.

References

Geneva Convention (1949): The Geneva Convention is an international treaty that regulates the conduct of war and provides protection to victims, including children trapped in conflict.
Hague Convention (1907): The Hague Convention is an international treaty that regulates the conduct of war and provides protection to victims, including children trapped in conflict.
United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (1989): The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child is an international treaty that sets out the civil, political, economic, social, and cultural rights of children.

Appendix

List of countries that have ratified the Geneva Convention and the Hague Convention: The list of countries that have ratified the Geneva Convention and the Hague Convention is provided in the appendix.
List of international organizations that work on children's rights: The list of international organizations that work on children's rights is provided in the appendix.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on International Humanitarian Law and Children's Army

Q: What is international humanitarian law?

A: International humanitarian law is a set of rules that regulate the conduct of war and provide protection to victims, including children trapped in conflict. It aims to protect human life and dignity, and to prevent unnecessary suffering.

Q: What is the purpose of international humanitarian law?

A: The purpose of international humanitarian law is to regulate the conduct of war and provide protection to victims, including children trapped in conflict. It aims to prevent unnecessary suffering and protect human life and dignity.

Q: What are the main principles of international humanitarian law?

A: The main principles of international humanitarian law are:

Distinction: The distinction between civilians and combatants.
Proportionality: The proportionality of the use of force.
Humanity: The protection of human life and dignity.
Military necessity: The use of force only when necessary.

Q: What is the role of children in armed conflicts?

A: Children are often used in armed conflicts as soldiers, porters, or messengers. They are also used as human shields or to carry out attacks.

Q: What are the consequences of using children in armed conflicts?

A: The consequences of using children in armed conflicts are severe. Children who are used in armed conflicts are at risk of physical and psychological harm, and may experience long-term effects such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Q: What can be done to prevent the use of children in armed conflicts?

A: To prevent the use of children in armed conflicts, governments, international organizations, and civil society must work together to:

Increase awareness: Increase awareness of the issue of children in armed conflicts.
Implement laws and policies: Implement laws and policies that prohibit the use of children in armed conflicts.
Provide support: Provide support to children who have been used in armed conflicts.
Promote education: Promote education and training programs that teach children about the risks of armed conflict and the importance of protecting human rights.

Q: What is the role of international organizations in preventing the use of children in armed conflicts?

A: International organizations, such as the United Nations, play a crucial role in preventing the use of children in armed conflicts. They can:

Monitor and report: Monitor and report on the use of children in armed conflicts.
Advocate for change: Advocate for change in laws and policies that prohibit the use of children in armed conflicts.
Provide support: Provide support to children who have been used in armed conflicts.
Promote education: Promote education and training programs that teach children about the risks of armed conflict and the importance of protecting human rights.

Q: What can individuals do to prevent the use of children in armed conflicts?

A: Individuals can:

Raise awareness: Raise awareness of the issue of children in armed conflicts.
Support organizations: Support organizations that work to prevent the use of children in armed conflicts.
Advocate for change: Advocate for change in laws and policies that prohibit the use of children in armed conflicts.
Volunteer: Volunteer with organizations that work to prevent the use of children in armed conflicts.

Q: What are the long-term effects of using children in armed conflicts?

A: The long-term effects of using children in armed conflicts can be severe. Children who are used in armed conflicts may experience:

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD): PTSD is a mental health condition that can develop after a person experiences a traumatic event.
Physical harm: Children who are used in armed conflicts may experience physical harm, such as injuries or illnesses.
Emotional trauma: Children who are used in armed conflicts may experience emotional trauma, such as anxiety or depression.
Social and economic problems: Children who are used in armed conflicts may experience social and economic problems, such as difficulty finding employment or accessing education.

Q: How can we prevent the use of children in armed conflicts?

A: To prevent the use of children in armed conflicts, we must:

Increase awareness: Increase awareness of the issue of children in armed conflicts.
Implement laws and policies: Implement laws and policies that prohibit the use of children in armed conflicts.
Provide support: Provide support to children who have been used in armed conflicts.
Promote education: Promote education and training programs that teach children about the risks of armed conflict and the importance of protecting human rights.

Q: What is the role of governments in preventing the use of children in armed conflicts?

A: Governments have a crucial role to play in preventing the use of children in armed conflicts. They can:

Implement laws and policies: Implement laws and policies that prohibit the use of children in armed conflicts.
Provide support: Provide support to children who have been used in armed conflicts.
Promote education: Promote education and training programs that teach children about the risks of armed conflict and the importance of protecting human rights.
Collaborate with international organizations: Collaborate with international organizations to prevent the use of children in armed conflicts.

Q: What is the role of civil society in preventing the use of children in armed conflicts?

A: Civil society, including non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and community groups, play a crucial role in preventing the use of children in armed conflicts. They can:

Raise awareness: Raise awareness of the issue of children in armed conflicts.
Advocate for change: Advocate for change in laws and policies that prohibit the use of children in armed conflicts.
Provide support: Provide support to children who have been used in armed conflicts.
Promote education: Promote education and training programs that teach children about the risks of armed conflict and the importance of protecting human rights.