Participation of minors in terrorist communities and organizations: analysis of international standards and domestic legislation

Abstract

Recruitment of children into terrorist organizations is a global trend, an unchanging feature of modern terrorism, requiring a timely and tough response from national states, as well as international cooperation in the field of protecting children, providing assistance to them in order to minimize the risks to which these children are exposed. Based on a study of international legal norms, the article reveals the status of children recruited by armed, including terrorist organizations, and also analyzes the reflection of such norms and obligations in Russian legislation and law enforcement practice. It concludes that the growing number of children under 18 years of age involved in terrorism-related activities requires an appropriate response from states based on international law, respect for human rights and the rule of law.