The Similarities Between Child Soldiers and Young Gang Criminals Explored by Expert
According to Henrik Häggström, an expert in the field, there are striking similarities between child soldiers and young gang criminals. Häggström, who has worked with child soldiers in war-torn countries, has now shifted his focus to gang crime in Sweden. He contends that the conditions and circumstances that lead children to become involved in these activities are eerily similar.
In Sweden, young gang criminals are often referred to as “child soldiers” by politicians and the media. Häggström argues that this rhetoric is not unfounded, as the children involved in gang activity face similar conditions to those recruited into armed conflicts. Financial vulnerability, troubled family relationships, and a sense of hopelessness regarding their future prospects are common factors shared by child soldiers and gang criminals.
Furthermore, Häggström highlights that both groups are attracted to the same things – weapons, money, cars, jewelry, and the opportunity to quickly rise in rank. These material possessions provide a status that is particularly appealing to individuals who feel limited in their options. Additionally, both gangs and armed groups use methods such as blackmail to prevent children from leaving.
Häggström also underscores the vulnerability of children when manipulated by warlords and gang leaders. Their innocence and underdeveloped consequence thinking make them easy to manipulate and coerce into committing acts of violence. He argues that it is naive for society to be surprised by young people committing serious violent crimes, as international comparisons show that children have been used in horrifying ways throughout history.
The aftermath of serious violent crimes poses challenges for both the individuals involved and the local communities affected. Häggström emphasizes the importance of embracing these children when they choose to disengage from criminal activities. He urges ordinary people living in affected areas not to push them away, but to provide support and understanding.
Häggström believes that there are valuable lessons to be learned from post-war areas, particularly Rwanda, where alternative legal processes were introduced to facilitate reconciliation. In these processes, child soldiers were given the opportunity to speak about their violent crimes before the local community, fostering understanding and forgiveness. This approach requires active involvement from all parties, similar to the “Stop shooting” project in Sweden, which has been credited with reducing shootings and explosions in certain areas.
The use of child soldiers is a well-known phenomenon throughout history, with numerous armed conflicts employing children in combat and other tasks such as mine clearance. The use of child soldiers is prohibited under international law, and recruiting child soldiers is considered a war crime.
By understanding the similarities between child soldiers and young gang criminals, Häggström believes that valuable insights can be gained to combat gang crime in Sweden. It is crucial for society to provide support, understanding, and opportunities for rehabilitation to ensure the successful reintegration of these individuals into their communities.