Abstract

There is increasing recognition of the high rates of sexual violence occurring in both active conflicts and in the transitions to peace. This violence occurs during military operations, inside the civilian population, and also within military personnel structures. Young people are highly implicated in these violations as both victims and perpetrators. These factors have led to the call for a better understanding of the experiences of both boys and girls used as child soldiers and their exposure to sexual violence. What are the long-term implications for peace and security when children and youth are educated in the use of sexual violence as a weapon of war? This chapter will discuss the need to find new approaches to preventing sexual violence in conflict that focus on preventing the use of children as perpetrators and recipients of this violence. Special focus will be given to the case of South Sudan.