Child Soldiers

Around the world, an estimated 250,000 children—some as young as 7—are involved in armed conflicts. Children are exploited in state-run armies, paramilitaries, and rebel groups. Coerced, enticed or abducted, these children serve as combatants, porters, spies, human mine detectors and sex slaves; their health and lives are endangered and their childhoods are sacrificed.

Young children playing at war. PHOTO: World Vision / Jon Warren

Image of child soldier, courtesy of Change.org

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The Latest

Up to the minute news, press releases, media and more.

Families live in makeshift tents in the Bekaa Valley of Lebanon, after fleeing their homes due to the Syria conflict. PHOTO: World Vision/Jon Warren

Sep 16, 2016

UN leaders can no longer sit on the fence; children’s lives are at stake

Nearly 50 million children are depending on leaders at UN summit to commit to concrete actions to address the issues causing children to flee their homes

Apr 25, 2016

One year later, World Vision continues to support the people of Nepal

One year later, World Vision continues to support the people of Nepal.

Ecuador's worst earthquake in decades hit Saturday, devastating the South American country. World Vision began responding immediately.

Apr 18, 2016

Ecuadorian earthquake “truly terrifying” says World Vision staff

Ecuador's worst earthquake in decades hit Saturday, devastating the South American country. World Vision began responding immediately.

A child works in a garment factory in Bangladesh. PHOTO: World Vision

Dec 16, 2015

Congress narrowly avoids shutdown of programs targeting child labor

The Congressional budget package released today continues funding for programs to end child labor after the House and Senate voted to cut funding to the Department of Labor’s impactful and critical program in June 2015.