Human Rights, Dignity, and Female Child Soldiers: A Theological Approach

Abstract

This chapter examines the concept of human dignity and its violation as theological categories in the context of the tragic phenomenon of female child soldiers. Because a theological approach concerns itself with the plight of not only female child soldiers but also male child soldiers (because both sexes are children), this discussion includes an articulation of the differences in the respective experiences of these young females and males. Additionally, this chapter examines the attempts of the international community to facilitate rehabilitation and reintegration of former child soldiers; and to promote effective preventative measures in the future. Moreover, this chapter will explore the challenges of rehabilitation and reintegration of female child soldiers in their respective societies (in contrast to their male counterparts), in terms of the degree to which these efforts can foster hope in the possibility that these children can flourish as human beings.