Reintegration of child soldiers : a literature review with particular focus on girl soldiers' reintegration in the DRC

Abstract

The present report seeks to impart key findings in existing literature on child soldiers’ reintegration process, as well as to highlight areas and topics which require more research. The review describes available literature and research related to the reintegration of former child soldiers in general, but with a particular focus on girl soldiers and the reintegration process in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Attention is also given to how local civil society in the DRC contributes to such reintegration processes. The review presents summaries of more than one hundred texts on child soldiers and reintegration, and highlights some of the major recent trends and developments in the literature. Important issues addressed in gender-sensitive studies on reintegration are discussed, as well as other elements which need further research and understanding Despite increased focus on child soldiering, research on the reintegration process of former child soldiers in the DRC is still largely missing. Girl soldiers have barely received any attention at all. Moreover, very little written documentation exists on local civil society’s engagement in reintegration processes. Research must address these gaps in knowledge and, with in-depth studies, provide information that may improve the support given young girls and boys as they make their way back to civilian life.