Iraqi children recruited for violent attacks

26/04/2008 16:41:14

A senior United Nations official says insurgent groups and militias in Iraq are recruiting children for violent attacks.

The U-N representative for children and armed conflict, Radhika Coomaraswamy says only half of Iraq's children go to school and many are vulnerable to recruitment by militant groups.

Speaking to reporters after visiting Iraq Ms Coomaraswamy said insurgents were taking advantage of children living in poverty.

She says there are eyewitness accounts as well as anecdotal evidence to indicate that children since 2004 have been recruited into the militas and insurgent groups. Some are paid, mainly for mortar attacks and for placing bombs.

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