Child Soldiers - From Violence to Protection

This book, based on participatory research and interviews, records the stories of child soldiers and the complexity of their experiences and situations. According to Wessells, these children serve not only as combatants but as porters, spies, human land mine detectors, and sexual slaves. Nearly one-third are girls, who face particular dangers from pregnancy and childbirth complications; and then, their babies and they encounter rejection in their local contexts. Wessells argues that despite the social, moral, and psychological wounds of war, a surprising number of former child soldiers enter civilian life. He describes the healing, livelihood, education, reconciliation, family integration, protection, and cultural supports that make it possible.

The book provides systematic information about this issue: how boys and girls are recruited or enticed into guerrilla groups; how they are affected by violence, deprivation, and abuse; the role of culture and healing; and interventions for local and global strategies for prevention. Wessells challenges stereotypes of the children as predators or a lost generation.