SRSG on children and armed conflict: Annual report 2011, para. 29
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Given the often forced nature of their association with armed groups, and considering their age, children should be treated primarily as victims, not as perpetrators. Emphasis should be placed on prosecuting individuals based on the concept of command responsibility. States should also prosecute adult recruiters and commanders not only for the crime of child recruitment, but also for other crimes they may have forced children to commit.
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Non-negotiated soft law
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Special Representative of the Secretary-General for children and armed conflict