ABSTRACT
Although it is impossible to accurately calculate the number of children involved in armed forces and groups, it is, however, estimated that there are many tens of thousands of child soldiers. Years of exposure to extreme violence, abuse, disease, and malnourishment during combat leaves these former child soldiers with severe psychological and physical scars. If they are to be reintegrated into their communities after the conflict ends, it is essential for former child soldiers to be rehabilitated and become legitimate members of their society. As a result, Disarmament, Demobilization, and Reintegration (DDR) programs have been established to provide social and psychological assistance to ex-child combatants in many countries. The chapter will examine the definition, nature, and extent of girl soldiering across the globe and the effects this experience has on the girls. The chapter will also critically examine the failure of DDR programs to address the needs of girl victims who were traumatized children by war. In addition, the chapter will also examine how the positive victimological approach can offer a useful framework of how the girl victims can best utilize these programs to provide positive experiences for their successful integration into society.
