2015…
Musa, 15, is abducted from his village on a Sunday morning while playing with friends. For three years, he survives brutal violence, fear, and isolation. Against all odds, he manages to escape, longing for safety and belonging. Instead, his community rejects him — forcing him back to the very group he fled.
Zahra, 14, feels isolated and longs for purpose. Online promises of empowerment and a women-friendly Islamic state lure her to convince her family to move to Syria. Expecting safety and meaning, she finds only a grim reality — forced marriage to a fighter and shattered dreams. Two years later, she is captured and placed in the Al-Hol camp in North-East Syria.
Hasan, 12, lost his father and became his family’s sole provider. When terrorist fighters sweep into his area, looking for children to recruit, he sees an opportunity to earn money and protect his family from harm. He does not want to fight — but a weapon is forced into his hands. Two years later, he is arrested, locked away in a detention centre, and stripped of the childhood he never had.
The phenomenon
These stories are not isolated, they are the stories of thousands of children who have been targeted, recruited and exploited by terrorist groups.
Musa, Zahra and Hasan experienced serious violence within these groups, but also a second layer of harm: the stigma that followed them. These children were rejected by society with the institutions responsible for their protection viewing them as security threats rather than victims; and their own communities treating them with suspicion and fear.
Across the globe, many countries have been directly affected by the phenomenon of child association with terrorist groups and have urgently needed guidance to understand the phenomenon; design effective prevention strategies; and establish appropriate responses for rehabilitation and reintegration.
STRIVE Juvenile: Preventing and Responding to Violence Against Children by Terrorist Groups
STRIVE Juvenile: Preventing and Responding to Violence Against Children by Terrorist Groups is an innovative project supported by the European Union through its EU Global Threats programme. It is built on UNODC’s expertise gained through development of in-depth guidance on how to protect children from recruitment and exploitation by terrorist groups, and the delivery of technical assistance to over 40 countries - expertise gained through development of in-depth guidance on how to protect children from recruitment and exploitation by terrorist groups, and the delivery of technical assistance to over 40 countries.
STRIVE Juvenile has delivered transformative impact at national, regional, and global levels — shaping policies, strengthening capacities, and setting new standards for the rehabilitation and reintegration of children associated with terrorist and violent extremist groups.
In Indonesia, Iraq and Nigeria, the project has established coordination mechanisms to bridge the gap between security and child protection; elaborated 20 tailored legal and policy guidance tools; built the capacities of almost 1,000 professionals; the project supported more than 22,000 children with prevention, rehabilitation and reintegration efforts; and reached more than 70 million with messages of peace.
At regional levels, the three countries have emerged as reference points and role models for neighbouring countries. Through their leadership and steadfast commitment, the three countries have demonstrated practical, context-sensitive strategies that others can replicate. Their experience has positioned them as champions for advancing prevention, rehabilitation, and reintegration efforts beyond national borders.
“Each of these countries has played a crucial role in setting the agenda within their region and beyond, and their commitment to the cause of children has been transformative” Stephane Mechati, Deputy Head of Mission/ Head of Political, Press and Information Section, EU Delegation to Indonesia and Brunei.
2025
Ten years later, Zahra returns home and is seen primarily as a victim by authorities and her community. After a full rehabilitation program, she will transition to civilian care, beginning the next phase of healing. This is more than a legal step; it’s a promise of dignity, safety, and a chance to reclaim her future.
Musa and Hasan are back home, embraced by their communities. No longer defined by their past, they channel their energy into raising awareness about recruitment risks and the power of education and unity. Once silenced by fear, their voices now inspire hope and safer paths for others.
Turning the Tide: From Punishment to Protection and Justice
The stories of Musa, Zahra and Hasan reflect a fundamental shift in how children associated with terrorist groups are perceived and treated. Rather than being seen solely as perpetrators, they can now be recognized primarily as victims — children exploited through recruitment, a serious form of violence against children. STRIVE Juvenile played a significant role in this change.
Indonesia, Iraq and Nigeria have shown the world that security and child rights do not have to be opposing priorities. This recognition has driven efforts to prevent child involvement with terrorist groups and to target those responsible for recruitment, by strengthening criminal justice systems to criminalize and prosecute child recruiters.
Above all, any action concerning these children now prioritizes rehabilitation and reintegration, particularly for those returning from conflict zones, ensuring they have a chance to rebuild their lives and reclaim their future.