Horrified by the recent murder of Kawthar al-Husayjawi, one of her female relatives describes what happened – and her fears for other women and girls forced into early marriage in Iraq
Tbf the labeling of child soldiers is kinda misleading considering that the vast majority of them are 15-17 years old. At that age you can join most military organizations around the world with parental permission. Alternatively most countries have military schools, where active duty military personnel are training teens to become soldiers.
UNICEF labels anyone enlisted under 18 as a child soldier, and lobbies those governments who follow the practice to stop. Most countries now have changed to 18+, but there are some holdouts as low as 16 (Britain).
That doesnt make it better for me so much as pointing out how bad others are as well.
My main point was that there is a discrepancy about how we speak about or label the actions of certain cultures or groups of people as opposed to the same actions taken by westerner nations.
I’d also note - vast majority <> all.
There are younger recruits, but I believe they are more a kin to being in military school, being taught tactics and self defense. I believe the official age for combat roles is 18.
Yeah, and I’m saying that doesnt make it better for me. Not for them, not for others.
My response wasn’t aimed at making you feel better. I was just pointing out the hypocrisy of a specific criticism often aimed at the ypj when several western powers do the same thing.
think its shitty having anyone with ‘teen’ in their age going off to fight or prepping for it.
I had not heard of the YPJ before. Remarkable group!
…minus the child soldiers part.
Tbf the labeling of child soldiers is kinda misleading considering that the vast majority of them are 15-17 years old. At that age you can join most military organizations around the world with parental permission. Alternatively most countries have military schools, where active duty military personnel are training teens to become soldiers.
UNICEF labels anyone enlisted under 18 as a child soldier, and lobbies those governments who follow the practice to stop. Most countries now have changed to 18+, but there are some holdouts as low as 16 (Britain).
Its 17 in the US, and nearly every decent sized high school and some middle schools in America have Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps program.
That doesnt make it better for me so much as pointing out how bad others are as well.
But I also think 18 is too young for war too, so there’s that.
I’d also note - vast majority <> all.
My main point was that there is a discrepancy about how we speak about or label the actions of certain cultures or groups of people as opposed to the same actions taken by westerner nations.
There are younger recruits, but I believe they are more a kin to being in military school, being taught tactics and self defense. I believe the official age for combat roles is 18.
Yeah, and I’m saying that doesnt make it better for me. Not for them, not for others.
I think its shitty having anyone with ‘teen’ in their age going off to fight or prepping for it.
My response wasn’t aimed at making you feel better. I was just pointing out the hypocrisy of a specific criticism often aimed at the ypj when several western powers do the same thing.
Yes, war is obviously bad.