Should Child Soldiers Be Prosecuted Essay

Did you know that in the world, there are around 300,000 children being used as soldiers? Usually, soldiers get punished for their actions if their side has lost. But what about these children? Do they get punished as well? Many people say that these child soldiers should be prosecuted. But I say otherwise. I think that these child soldiers should be considered victims of these crimes. I think this because if there are people too young to be in war, then they shouldn’t be prosecuted, they are manipulated, drugged, and/or forced to get drunk to commit crimes, and finally, these children are becoming soldiers because it is the only option to stay alive
First, some may think that anyone who commits a crime worthy enough of being prosecuted, should indeed be prosecuted. But it turns out children should not be prosecuted if they commited a crime and associated with an armed force. For example, according to the article, “Should child soldiers be prosecuted for their …show more content…
There are many points to say on both sides that these children are still committing these crimes because they chose to join a group and that they are too young to be criminals. And yet, I still strongly think that children involved with armed forces should be considered victims because if they join the group that causes the kids to be criminals, they are doing it because they don’t have another choice if they want to live. The article “In Support of the "The Child Soldiers Accountability Act of 2007"; Hearing in the US House Judiciary Subcommittee” by Tom Malinowski states, “In situations of extreme insecurity, many believe that joining an armed group is their best chance of protection or survival.” (2008) This quote supports my thinking because the kids are making the decision that they think is best for them to save themselves from death. They are trying to save their lives like everyone else in the world