The second "Global Report" of the Coalition to Stop the Use of Child Soldiers is available at www.child-soldiers.org.  Between 2001 and 2004, in some 20 conflicts, child soldiers were used.  The report highlights what progress has been made in eliminating the use of child soldiers.

       On 26 July 2005, the UN Security Council passed resolution 1612, a major resolution setting out the framework to identify and condemn 54 parties (States as well as non-state militias) who use children as soldiers, often through forced recruiting and even abduction. The resolution establishes a comprehensive monitoring and reporting system.

       Of course, compiling information on violations against children is of little value unless it serves as a trigger for action.  That is why the issue must be a priority beyond the corridors of the UN.

       It is important to analyse these conflicts, many of which are generations long, to see how they can be brought to an end as was recently the North-South conflict in Sudan where child soldiers had been used.  The list of armed groups which use children as soldiers, spies, and sexual agents is at http://www.un.org:special-rep/children-armed-copnflict/.