Child soldiers, are they innocent or not? This ethical question has been asked time and time again. Should they be prosecuted for their actions or should they be set free because of their youth? I support the side of not holding them accountable for their deeds. I'm here to show you the reasons why.
Main argument: Child soldiers under the age of 15 should not be prosecuted for their crimes. They should be put in a rehabilitation center.
Supporting argument 1: It is not the children's fault, it is their commander’s fault. The force them to join the military. If anyone is to blame, it should be the commanders.
If anyone should be blamed for the actions of child soldiers, it should be their commanders. The reason why child soldiers join the military is largely because of them. Since children are very susceptible to influence, commanders use this to their advantage and try to make a child love war and killing. They are brainwashed into thinking that shooting innocent people is fun. Not only is it psychological, but it is also physical. Commanders repeatedly drug children and force them to stay. Any person that goes through these terrifying times should not be prosecuted.
Supporting argument 2: Children are very susceptible to influence, but that doesn't mean only bad influence.
Like I said before, children are very susceptible to influence, but that doesn't mean just bad influence. It can mean that they can also be rehabilitated. Look at the case of Ishmael Beah, a former child soldier. He was brainwashed so much, that he was actually angry that human rights activists saved him from being a child soldier. After rehabilitation, he's now a successful author that has published many books, one being his experience of being a child soldier. Ishmael Beah is living proof that a child soldiers can be rehabilitated.
Supporting argument 3: If child soldiers still show bad behavior, even after rehabilitation, then they can be prosecuted.
Conclusion: Restating all my points.
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