Global child soldier index shows Girls used as ‘human bombs’
By Ana Ionova
Children were used to fight in at least 18 conflicts since 2016 – including as 'human bombs' – despite a global ban on the use of children in war, a database showed on Wednesday.
Child soldiers were used in Syria, Libya, Nigeria and Colombia - all of which have ratified a United Nations treaty, outlawing the conscription of under 18s and their participation in hostilities, the campaign group behind the index said.
"The systematic abuse of child rights continues unabated in many places around the world," UK-based Child Soldiers International said in a statement.
"The use of children, including large numbers of girls, as 'human bombs' is one alarming new trend."
More than 115,000 child soldiers have been freed since 2000, but tens of thousands continue to be expl...