Monday, September 18, 2006

The World Bank and Child Soldiers

The World Bank and Child Soldiers


It was reported in Japan that the World Bank has issued a report on child soldiers in the world.

There are some 300,000 soldiers under the age 18 who are now, or have until recently been, engaged in a battle, accounting for 10 percent of all the soldiers in battle fields.

In addition, there are 500,000 child soldiers being recruited in 50 countries all over the world.

They become soldiers due to poverty or coercion, or as a victim of abduction.
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According to The World Revolution (http://www.worldrevolution.org/), "because of their immaturity and lack of experience, child soldiers suffer higher casualties than their adult counterparts."
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If child soldiers are allowed to claim financial support for their education and rehabilitation costing, say, US$10,000 per capita, the world should raise 8 billion dollars.

The World Bank, consisting of International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) and International Development Association (IDA), furnished anew in 2005 many countries for their development projects with funds of 13.6 billion dollars and similarly approved loans worth 8.7 billion dollars.

It seems very possible and reasonable that the World Bank rescues and helps those child soldiers with their financial capacity.
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If you are asked by an angel what the most deplorable issue is on the earth, you should answer that it is existence of child soldiers.

If I am, I would answer so.



"Because you have been faithful until the end, my saving power will rise on you like the sun"