Children Involvement in Terrorism Activities: Perpetrator or a Victim? (A Study in the Circle of Violence)

Abstract

Terrorism is an extraordinary crime since it violates human rights. However, it will be different if children commit it. The legal approach is not necessarily taken against children who become terrorists. The problem of children's involvement in terrorist activities does not end there. Another important issue that must also be considered is children of terrorist parents. They must be rescued from a violent social environment. In this study, we will discuss the position of children as victims in the cycle of violence of terrorism and criminal policies in overcoming the involvement of children in terrorism activities. This research is normative legal research that examines the availability of provisions regulating the involvement of children in terrorism activities. Legal materials come from primary and secondary legal materials that are collected through literature study. Children who become terrorists are actually victims indoctrinated to commit terrorism which is believed as a struggle. Therefore, a human rights approach is needed to provide child protection. The criminal policy in tackling the involvement of children in terrorism activities is carried out by regulating the rehabilitation of radicalized children who are perpetrators and the placement of children whose parents are members of terrorism networks in a safe place.