Honesty to save the future
Today, in a world where war is perceived as a political norm, not many find the courage to voice the truth behind the closed doors where political corruption, economic manipulation and social justice linger. The HONESTY of those who share their testimonies offers not only insight on the examination of how injustice affects their lives but also humanity as a whole.
Throughout war stricken regions, children have been robbed of their childhood as they struggle to escape war, poverty, and discrimination. In their plight for survival they are often recruited or forced to join militant groups as soldiers, sexual beings, spies, messengers, porters, or servants.
For those captured at a young age, this life is all they’ve known. They are no longer children but rather tormented souls forced to witness and commit atrocious war crimes. Though child soldiers often do not understand how and why they live in such violence, they do know that it’s a life no one should ever experience.
These extreme givers have shared their experiences in hopes of raising global awareness and reform for the future generations to come. Their stories offer a glimpse into the vivid realities of the war culture. As soldiers, these children risked their innocence, childhoods, and lives. By offering PROOF their truths, these child soldiers jeopardized their reputations, which, in the harsh environment of conflicts and camaraderie, is often their only source of pride, power, and protection.
PROOF shares the stories of child soldiers from Colombia, Guatemala, El Salvador, Sri Lanka, Burma, Nepal, Afghanistan, Uganda, the Congo, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Sudan, Palestine, and Iraq.