The Unsettling Reality: Egypt’s Use of Child Soldiers Draws Stern US Rebuke

The US Rebukes Egypt for Using Child Soldiers

Raising Awareness of Grave Violations Against Children

The United States Department of State has taken the unprecedented step of adding Egypt to its list of countries implicated in using child soldiers. This decision was based on independent reports that the Egyptian military conducted joint operations with allied militia groups in North Sinai, recruiting children as young as 16 for logistical and combat operations. These children were deployed in hostilities against the armed group Wilayat Sina, linked to the Islamic State.

The use of child soldiers is considered a grave violation against children in times of war, as identified by the United Nations Security Council. International human rights law prohibits the recruitment or use of children younger than 18, and the use of children under 15 is considered a war crime. It is concerning that the Egyptian military has increasingly relied on local militias, created by clans, in its fight against Wilayat Sina. The North Sinai militias have even gone as far as openly publishing photos and videos of child soldiers on social media platforms such as Facebook and TikTok.

Egypt‘s History of Human Rights Abuses

This recent development shines a light on the ongoing abuses by the Egyptian military and pro-army groups in Sinai since 2013. Human Rights Watch has documented serious abuses committed by these groups, including extrajudicial and summary executions of detainees, which could amount to war crimes. The international community must address these abuses and hold the Egyptian government accountable for its actions.

The Child Soldiers Prevention Act and its Implications

In 2008, the US Congress passed the Child Soldiers Prevention Act, which aims to withhold certain types of US military assistance from governments using child soldiers or supporting militias that recruit children. The intent behind this law is to pressure governments to end child recruitment and release children from their forces.

The decision to add Egypt to the list of countries using child soldiers is a significant step in scrutinizing these abuses committed by Egypt‘s military in North Sinai. However, it is important to note that the Biden administration has waived the provisions of the Child Soldiers Prevention Act that would have prevented Egypt from receiving at least US$1.5 billion in US military assistance. This decision has raised concerns among human rights advocates, as it appears to prioritize geopolitical interests over human rights concerns.

Implications and Recommendations

While the listing of Egypt as a country using child soldiers sends a clear message that these abuses will not go unnoticed, it is essential that the US government lives up to the intent of the law. The Biden administration should only provide military assistance to Egypt if the government takes concrete steps to hold its security forces accountable and put an end to their abuses. By doing so, the US can play a pivotal role in pressuring Egypt to address these violations and safeguard the rights of children caught in armed conflicts.

Furthermore, the international community must rally behind this issue and demand accountability from Egypt. It is crucial to provide support to local organizations in Egypt that are working toward ending the recruitment and use of child soldiers. By amplifying their voices and providing resources, we can contribute to the broader effort of protecting the rights and well-being of children affected by armed conflicts worldwide.

Overall, the inclusion of Egypt on the list of countries using child soldiers by the United States is an important step towards raising awareness of this grave violation against children. However, concrete actions, both from the US government and the international community, are necessary to hold Egypt accountable, end the recruitment of child soldiers, and ensure that the rights and lives of these children are protected.