Based on data collection and first-hand experience in Man, Côte d’Ivoire, Youngest Recruits is a remarkably refreshing contribution to existing studies of armed conflict in this region of sub-Saharan Africa. The author, Magali Chelpi-den Hamer, deftly surveys the literature on youths involved in conflict, as well as many of the debates taking place among international organizations. With great skill and respectful language she considers the various sides of the arguments in what is, inevitably, a very sensitive subject. Chelpi den-Hamer considers, for example, whether it is best to introduce new codified international law, to clarify texts where there remain challenges of interpretation, or to simply enforce existing laws on the rights of children and, in particular, children in armed conflict?
