This presentation highlights five major (but not exclusive) factors leading youngsters to join armed forces or armed groups without being coerced. These are: war, poverty, education, employment and family. It is important to understand these factors in efforts to demobilize/reintegrate former child soldiers.

• an oral statement submitted to the 60th session of the UN Commission on Human Rights,
• a written statement submitted to the 60th session of the UN Commission on Human Rights,
• The report Young Soldiers: Why they choose to fight.