Child soldiers: Psychosocial implications of the Graça Machel / UN study.

This article reviews key findings of the Graca Machel/United Nations (UN) Study in relation to child soldiers. The Study's contribution to understanding and addressing the situation of child combatants is acknowledged and discussed. Areas are also identified that require greater elaboration, namely definitions of child soldiers, and psychosocial effects on children who serve as soldiers. These issues are explored further, and implications for the Study's policy and program recommendations are considered.