Every year, almost unbelievably, violence steals the childhoods of 1.7 billion children around the world. It happens in every country, city and community. They are forced to fight in adult wars, make decisions and witness things no child should see. 

We work to shift people’s understanding and attitudes towards violence against children, challenging the way we look at these issues. That is why we have produced and published this global index of government recruitment policies. We have a clear message to governments and those in power: make laws that make clear children should not fight in adult wars; focus on stopping this problem before it starts; invest in education, peacebuilding, and opportunities for children. Show them another way is possible.