FRAGMENTS | Child Soldiers

Children from various armies became involved in the fighting during World War II, whether alongside the Axis forces or the Allied forces. Surprisingly, it was not uncommon for children as young as 12 years old to serve as soldiers in armies such as the United States, Germany, the Soviet Union, and Japan.

The Jewish underground also relied on children to ensure their survival, and many children actively participated in the uprising against the Germans in Paris in 1944.

While there were instances where children were accused of committing war crimes during the conflict, their young age often resulted in significant reductions in their trial and subsequent punishment.

It is worth noting that since the conclusion of World War II, children have not been charged with war crimes in any court or military tribunal, reflecting a global recognition of the need to protect and safeguard the rights of children during times of armed conflict.