Since its independence in 1958, the Niger Republic is a country that has experienced four military regimes amid its struggles for democracy. This led to several changes in the structure of the military while leaving a more malleable framework in terms of specific laws against child soldiers. However, Niger strictly condemns the use of child soldiers and has participated in several treaties to take action and eliminate the very real problem of child soldiers despite the minimal threat it poses to the nation; it doesn't matter if she served under a military regime or if she was a democracy. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why violent video games should not be banned”? Get the original essay In the past, Niger signed and ratified the CRC-OP-AC treaty on October 19, 2007 which enforces laws to ensure that the legal minimum age required to be recruited into the armed forces is 18 years. Niger has adopted a voluntary approach in implementing this treaty, having an almost negligible number of child soldiers, therefore not requiring national legislation providing conditions for recruitment. However, the increase in the number of child soldiers due to the involvement of terrorist groups is of increasing concern. One such group, formed by the Tuaregs, attacked Niger by urging them to immediately sign the Paris Principles and the Paris Commitments in February 2007. This not only prevented future child soldiers, but also gave the Nigerien government a clear protocol for dealing with current child soldiers. the Nigerien government remains concerned because rebel groups recruit thousands of child soldiers each year and Boko Haram recruited 2,000 in 2016. Niger is seriously threatened by these organizations due to the vast border it shares with Nigeria ; the location of the organization's headquarters. In addition to this, Niger is also part of West Africa which includes several countries with large numbers of child soldiers including Sierra Leone, Nigeria and others. Niger's delegate is concerned about a possible influx of child soldiers from these sister countries, which could lead to a potential increase in the number of child soldiers that the Republic of Niger has worked to control. However, Niger is also part of ECOWAS, which allows it to assist several member countries with which it shares close borders. However, our nation and AU members also need help from countries like Senegal and Guinea Bissau due to their strict policies against child soldiers and, more importantly, effective implementation of these policies because it will help other members of the AU and ECOWAS. Keep in mind: this is just a sample. Get a personalized article from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay The Niger delegation believes that the implementation of a strict procedure in terms of current child soldiers will be the cornerstone of solving this problem. The main way to do this is to educate and incentivize children to abandon their current path or not pursue it at all (if they have not yet been recruited). The Niger delegate believes it is essential that the different blocs forming the African Union unite under one roof and seek help from various United Nations organizations such as the United Nations Security Council for the preparatory work and Child Rescue and UNICEF to provide shelter to affected children. as well as a better lifestyle so that they do not sink into this dangerous abyss of no return.