From Child to Perpetrator: Prosecuting Child Soldiers for International Crimes

Çocuktan Faile: Çocuk Askerlerin Uluslararası Suçlardan Dolayı Yargılanması

Isabelle KIRSCH

Legal issues arising out of the perpetration of international crimes by child soldiers are complex. A debate which has gained considerable attention over the years relates to the liability of children for such offences. This article discusses the initial obstacles attributed to their individual criminal responsibility for international crimes, before examining the discrepancies between international standards which ensure the protection of children, and national standards which may give rise to their prosecution. It proposes a reconciliation between the two legal practices to end impunity of child soldiers, while ensuring their protection and providing justice to the victims of their crimes.

Perpetrator, Child Soldier, Prosecution, International Crime.

Uluslararası suçlarda çocuk askerlerin failliği konusunda ortaya çıkan hukuki sorunlar oldukça karmaşık yapıdadır. Çocukların bu suçlardan doğan sorumluluğu konusu, geçen zaman içinde oldukça önem kazanan tartışmalardan biridir. Bu makalede, çocukların korunmasını güvence altına alan uluslararası normlar ile çocukların yargılanmasına imkân verebilen ulusal normlar arasındaki çelişkilere değinilmeden önce, ilk olarak, çocukların uluslararası suçlardan bireysel sorumluluğuna yönelik engeller ele alınacaktır. Ayrıca, çocukların korunmasını sağlayarak ve işledikleri suçların mağdurları için adaleti temin ederek çocuk askerlerin cezasız kalmasını sona erdiren bu bahsi geçen iki hukuki yaklaşım arasındaki farklılıkların giderilmesine yönelik teklifler sunulacaktır.

Fail, Çocuk Asker, Yargılama, Uluslararası Suç.

Introduction

Children associated with armed conflict, commonly referred to as ‘child soldiers’ are generally perceived as victims, due to their age, their level of moral responsibility or intent, and the forced means by which their recruitment into armed groups generally occur. Despite their youth, child soldiers may commit internationally recognized crimes, such as torture, rape, and killing of civilians, but appear to be shielded from prosecution under international criminal law.

Holding children accountable for these crimes can be difficult to justify. Child soldiers are not of age to be considered liable. They often commit unlawful acts against their will in compliance with superior orders, under duress, the influence of drugs, or following death threats. Many argue that children participating in armed conflicts should not be held accountable for international crimes, but the question is more complex. Some children have chosen to enlist as soldiers and may have voluntarily committed these acts.

Studies have emphasised that prosecuting child soldiers for international criminal acts would increase stigmatisation and difficulties when reintegrated in their community. The Children and Justice During and in the Aftermath of Armed Conflict report notes that “[i]f a child under the age of 15 is considered too young to fight, then he or she must also be considered too young to be held criminally responsible for serious violations of IHL while associated with armed forces or armed groups”.¹