Child Soldiers in Armed Conflict in Northern Nigeria: Analysis of Visual Representations in Beast of no Nation

Abstract

The resultant effect of violent conflict is the conscription of children from 7 to 17 years of age as soldiers. An estimated 300,000 children across the globe serve as members of armed groups or state military, these children are often required to carry weapons and act to protect the ideology for which they were conscripted. Africa has about 40% of the global number of child soldiers; this phenomenon has created a disturbing image of conflicts in Africa. This paper analyses the place of visual filmic representations in explaining the effects of war on children especially those forced to carry arms. The paper submits that violent conflicts can erode the future aspirations of these children, distort their education and intensify human rights abuse. The paper, therefore, proposes an international unified policy that will ensure the rights of every child is protected in a conflict.