Girls in Armed Conflict – Forgotten Casualties of War – Report

date published: 27/04/2005

Save the Children is today calling on world leaders to better protect
the large numbers of vulnerable and innocent girls whose lives are
destroyed every year by conflict, with the launch a new report ‘Forgotten
Casualties of War: Girls in Armed Conflict’.

The report identifies
a ‘hidden army’ of girls, some as young as eight, who are abducted against
their will to live life in the army. The roles of the girls vary from
being actual soldiers through to serving as porters, cleaners and cooks.
Im many countries they are forced to serve as sex slaves or ‘wives’.

Speaking on the report, Mike Aaronson, Director General for Save
the Children said:

“When people picture conflict they think of men
in bloody combat, but it’s horrifyingly girls who are the hidden face of
war. This report reveals a shocking and inhumane life for thousands of
girls around the world who are failed by the international community.But
our purpose is to do more than shock. We aim to change the system and
ensure there is proper funding to help these girls so they can – with
dignity – regain some sense of normal life. This appalling abuse of girl’s
rights demands urgent action. Its time to stop the war on children.”