Interesting facts:

• There are an estimated 250,000 child soldiers in the world today. 
• It is estimated that 40% of all child soldiers are girls. They are often used as 'wives' (sex slaves) of the male combatants.
• Many rebel groups use child soldiers to fight the government, but some governments also use child soldiers in armed conflict.
• Children are sometimes forced to commit atrocities against their own family or neighbors. Such practices help ensure that the child is "stigmatized" and unable to return to his or her home community. 
• Human Rights Watch estimates that 100,000 children in Africa are currently serving as soldiers for both rebel groups and government forces in armed conflicts.
• Some are under 10 years old.
• • Not all children take part in active combat. Some are also used as porters, cooks and spies.