DISARMAMENT, DEMOBILIZATION, AND REINTEGRATION IN STATE ACTORS: ADDRESSING THE CHALLENGES OF CURBING CHILD SOLDIER RECRUITMENT IN AFGHANISTAN

The recruitment and use of child soldiers by state actors in Afghanistan from 2001 to 2021 remained a pressing human rights concern despite international legal prohibitions. This study critically examines the role of state-affiliated forces in child soldier recruitment. It evaluates the effectiveness of Disarmament, Demobilization, and Reintegration (DDR) programs in curbing this practice, analyzing key challenges such as weak enforcement of child protection laws, lack of accountability, and socio-economic pressures that drive recruitment. The protection and ban of underage combat provided under various international legal instruments in juxtaposition with the grim reality of gross violation of these rights. The main method used in the course of this research is doctrinal in nature as it delves into the text of prominent international conventions and other documents relating to the child soldiers. Moreover, a huge deal of current research on this and connected topics has pointed observed the consequence of the restriction of underage soldiers under international law more detailed under Afghan legal framework. It is discovered through this study that the implementation of rights of children under the international instruments is not effective. By assessing past DDR initiatives and their shortcomings, this study provides policy recommendations for strengthening child protection measures within state security forces, improving enforcement mechanisms, and enhancing reintegration programs through education, vocational training, and psychosocial support. The findings underscore the need for a holistic, long-term approach to prevent future recruitment and ensure compliance with international child protection standards, contributing to sustainable peace and security in Afghanistan.