TABLE OF CONTENTS

Declaration ................................................................................................. .ii

Approval. ................................................................................................... .iii

Dedication ................................................................................................ .iv

Acknoledgement ........................................................................................... v

Table of contents ......................................................................................... vi

List of acronyms ......................................................................................... vii

List of legislations ...................................................................................... viii

List of cases ................................................................................................ ix

Abstract. ...................................................................................................... x

~FIJlll1r~Il C>li~ ........................................................................................... l

1~1rJl()I>lJ~1LIIi ......•..........•..............•................•................••......••......•....... l

1. 1 Background of the study ........................................................................ 1

1.2 Statement of the problem ........................................................................ 3

1.3 Objective of the study ............................................................................ .4

1.4 Scope of the study ................................................................................. .4

1.5 Research methodology ............................................................................ 5

1.6 Justification of the study ........................................................................ 6

1.7 Literature review ..................................................................................... 6

1.8 Synopsis of dissertation ......................................................................... 18

CHAPTER TWO .......................................................................................... 19

CHAPTER THREE ...................................................................................... 24

CHAPTER FOUR ........................................................................................ 31

CHAPTER FIVE .......................................................................................... 52

5.1 Conclusions ......................................................................................... 52

5.2 RECOMMENDATIONS ........................................................................... 54

REFERENCES ............................................................................................ 57

ABSTRACT

The research on "Legal frameworks governing the use of child soldiers in armed conflicts" was conducted in northern Uganda. The dissertation is divided into five chapters. The first chapter will look at the statement of the problem, purpose of the study, objectives of the study, hypotheses of the study, research methodology, justification of the study, and the literature review. Chapter two looks at recruitment and participation of children in armed conflict, and forced recruitment. Chapter three narrows down to the topic. It looks at consequences of participation in armed conflict and addressing the consequences of child recruitment and participation. Chapter four discussed the application of current legal standards and their weaknesses to child soldiers of northern Uganr:la, applicability of the laws protecting child soldiers, and eliminating forced recruitment by government armed forces and armed groups. The last chapter (chapter five) dealt with the conclusions and recommendations. This was based on the findings that have been reflected in the rest of the paper.