Reparations to former child soldiers in Peru’s Comprehensive Reparations Program (2013-2021)

Abstract

International law fundamentally recognizes child soldiers as victims and, therefore, deserving of reparations. However, some post-conflict societies perceive them with suspicion due to the serious damage committed against their social fabric, which impacts its implementation. This article maintains that the Peruvian Comprehensive Reparations Plan (PIR) reflects this by designing and implementing the right to reparations of former child soldiers in a biased and discriminatory manner. Both the regulations of the PIR and the administrative rules dictated by the organizations in charge of applying them are contrary to the principles of the best interest of the child and non-discrimination set in binding international instruments for the Peruvian State.