Norm vs Deviation :

Abstract

This article briefly analyses the various issues associated with the practices of using children as soldiers in conflict areas. It also examines questions in regard to child soldiers: first, who are these child soldiers? And why children work as soldiers in conflict areas? Second, while most developed societies insist on liberal principles like right to life, liberty and upholding the dignity of individuals; why in most of the other parts of the world children have been forced to take up arms?. It emphasizes on the humanitarian part of child soldiers particularly the girls. The article critically examines the course of action of international mechanism working on child soldiers. But most importantly this article attempts to understand as to why in spite of having so many norms and standards in place both at the international as well as regional level to protect and guarantee children their due rights, the problem of using children as soldiers continues to remain a cause of concern in the international community.