Dear NATO,
My name is Cyrus Bajwa, and in Language Arts I have been learning about the difficult paths these child soldiers face post-war. I would like to represent a entirely new idea which can reshape many thoughts you may have. There are many reasons why it would be unfair or even dangerous to give child soldiers amnesty. These child soldiers like it or not have pulled the trigger, and have killed many innocent people. They also have raped and have executed many people based on their belief. But, we still give empathy to these barbaric sociopaths forgiving them of their past when the victims need the revenge. However, we let in these children not knowing their backgrounds, because of slight to no restrictions on child soldier laws. How do we even know that the persons not a terrorist? This is why we need prosecution to determine who these people are, and if they need to be put on trial for what they have done. Additionally, if given amnesty, where can child soldiers be relocated to? Without any consequences for their actions. In this letter, I will explain to you my plan for how to treat child soldiers after a conflict has ended. And hopefully by the end your organization can realize some of the flaws in the system, and solutions to solve these problems.
Why I care? Are some strong words. The reason why I chose this side of the spectrum is because I want what's best for my country and yours. I want us to have a safer place, and one of the issues which can potentially backfire is the large masses of child soldiers coming into our countries for safe heaven. I am concerned that child soldiers may pose a threat to a new host country, if they're allowed to emigrate after a conflict has ended. Therefore, I strongly urge potential host countries to give identification and background checks, as well as potential juvenile detention, until it can be determined that a former child soldier won't be a threat.
Imagine, you as a 7-year-old boy living in Sierra Leone living with one family member. Suddenly, you're only guardian killed by a child soldier. Why? Because he was at the wrong place, at the wrong time. This is unfortunately the reality in many countries in the world such as, Uganda. In rural places, where innocent villages get shot and killed every day. These cruel phenomenon’s also happens in rural Nigerian towns, where child soldiers (15 years old) rape and brutally murder young girls. In Syria, child soldiers often execute others because of their race and religion or even sect in religion. Many would point the figure on the group which forced them. But just think for a second, the child soldier pulled the trigger which killed the someone, the child soldier decided to rape and then kill the young girl and the child soldier was the one who sliced the throat of the victim. I’m just saying that we are the ones who give empathy to the child soldier. Just think of the boy who lost its only parent, and how devastated he must feel. Just think of the injustice done to the child who lost its parent. We instead nurture the gunman when he was the one who pulled the trigger, and may have cost more deaths along the way. My plan to stop this is by giving the justice to the victim, and depending on the scenario give out a trial with due process.
"Some might say that the justice should be sought from those in charge the recruited child soldiers in the first place, because the child soldiers were the ones who pulled the trigger. But, these children had no family, had been drugged, sold by their parents, have some to no education or are forced into doing this like Ishmael Baeh. In the Hour interview, Ishmael talks about justice and the cycle of revenge and how the trust of adult helped him succeed. Instead of locking them up for crimes which never would have happened.
One of the issues, which I can present to you is. That if a 15-year-old right now went on a killing spree. He would be arrested, and put in jail for manslaughter. But, because of a child soldiers like Ishmael Baeh we say “oh, it’s alright he was brainwashed.” No, whoever pulled the trigger needs to go to jail or anyone associated with the crime. If we don’t implement this system we are breaking society, and by society standards he should be put in jail. If we implement this rule we could see a hopeful decrease in child soldiers, since we are arresting any associates in the crime as well. This will most definitely frighten the commander who make children fight wars. Even Though these are children they have done serious crimes, but by them serving time it’s the best policy.
However, by punishing kids we will get nothing out of it. They have lived a tough life, and because of where they're from they will have to pay the price. For something they never even wanted to do, but most of all they are just kids. Who have been mistreated there whole life. All they want is love and comfort not a box to sit in all day.
One of the main reasons why child soldiers deserve no amnesty is because of the threat. These children are coming into our country without checks, and may still be under the influence of their previous life, still cold blooded. An example of this is Omar Khandr a boy who was a child soldier, but was rescued and brought to the U.S. But he instead was very delighted, and was filled with pride about his killing spree. Saying that he planted mines and blew up armed forces. This behavior led him to Guantanamo, which could have turned out worse if he was not as extrovert of his accomplishments. Imagine a boy who was rescued, but because of him being a child soldier people would show empathy, but inside he is planning destruction. How do we know if he is not still faithful to his group? All these questions lead to prosecution of these soldiers to make sure they do not commit harm. As it may cause a national security threat if we do not prosecute the children. Because we have to know that for every Ishmael Baeh, there are 300,000 child soldiers who may continue on their path of terror when brought back into society.
In conclusion, I hope your organization rethinks Its policy of child soldiers. I also would like to thank you for reading this plea. Because overall, I think there can be many more benefits in the long run using this type of plan. I sincerely hope you think of the victim's family and how they are suffering due to the child soldier.
Sincerely,
Cyrus
(Student at TAISM)
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