Topic: Reintegrating Former Child Soldiers
Country: Italy
Delegate Name: Hannah Baird
School: Forest Hills Eastern High School
Topic page: background guide and all position papers All Italy position papers GLIMUN 2014 committees
Stemming from poor economic structures, child soldiering offers an escape for many recruits, but though they may temporarily escape the socioeconomic hardships, they are, by recruitment, subjected to physical and psychological abuse that impacts their lives more than the lack of a job ever could. Although the Optional Protocol set a minimum age of 18 for recruitment, the guideline has not yet been ratified by all countries in problem areas, thus defeating the purpose of the act. When former child soldiers, bearing the hardships of war in their minds and wearing the scars of combat on their young bodies, return to their community, the lack of infrastructure to successfully transition them back into normality results in a harsh cycle of poverty. Adding to their hostile situation, former child soldiers are often shunned by their family and society for their actions in combat and their experiences with brutality. Those that have served for their country are being swept aside.
As a nation forged in the hope for bettering the lives of all citizens, Italy believes that at-risk countries have the ability and obligation to aid in the reintegration of former child soldiers through the assisted funding of public school systems and the implementation of mental health facilities in problematic areas. With 99% literacy rate as of 2012, we pride ourselves in the use of both public and private education and feel that the funding of such institutions would be beneficial in the transitioning of former child soldiers back into society. Through the implementation of mental health institutions in conflicting countries, former child soldiers will be given the option to seek help for the psychological abuse that was inflicted upon them in war.
Although funding is an issue do to insufficient assets, UNICEF can assist in the execution of education and health programs through investments in programs such as social finance, which will allow countries to build capital and assist struggling nations. For best effect, available resources such as public education and mental health programs should be concentrated on the local level to be available to all afflicted. Schools will provide secure environments in which former child soldiers will be given the opportunity to readjust to the societal norms, and through the medical field, support can be given to affected individuals so as to acknowledge the psychological impact of war and help to treat it. UNICEF can help to ensure the proper implementation of facilities through Quality Assurance and can facilitate the collection of data in problem zones to evaluate the impact of programs on society and former child soldiers. Italy is ready and excited to collaborate with other nations to further develop a plan that will not only benefit former child soldiers, but will be of value to the world in its entirety.
