Conclusion

Abstract

As the many examples in this book suggest, where gross human rights violations have been committed by young persons who have themselves likely been victimized, complex questions arise about individual criminal and moral responsibility and how the actions of these child soldiers ought to be addressed. This book has questioned the best approach to understanding and addressing harmful acts committed by child soldiers to support positive peace and social reconstruction in the aftermath of mass atrocity. As a general moral principle, it is right that those who commit gross human rights violations and international crimes such as war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide should be held accountable for their acts. Holding individuals accountable for wrongdoing is expressively significant as a means of upholding, respecting, and confirming rights and social values. However, there are good reasons to view children in a very different light than adult perpetrators.