Seen but not heard: Child soldiers suing gun manufacturers under the alien tort claims act

Author: Morisseau N
Publication: Cornell Law Review
Topics: Age Group International Legislation and Policy Social Science
Keywords: Children International law protection
Bibliographic information +

The author examines how the Alien Tort Claims Act (ATCA), as an instrument of international law, can allow child soldiers to hold weapons manufacturers accountable for the increased armed conflicts caused by the proliferation of small arms and light weapons. The author highlights strengths and limitations of international law in protecting defenseless individuals. She reviews failed attempts to address small arms and light weapons proliferation through treaties and national legislation, and discusses the humanitarian effects of the problem, particularly regarding child soldiers. She then evaluates the ATCA. The author concludes that gun manufacturers who sell guns for use by child soldiers are liable under the ATCA.