CHAN:
Firm figures are impossible to produce but it is clear that there are still tens of thousands of child soldiers. Most governments accused of using children deny the charge.  A report has come out that challenges that claim.

STORY:
[Chad Army Officer]:
"Child soldiers are ideal because they don't complain, they don't expect to be paid and if you tell them to kill, they kill,"

That's the words of a Chad army officer, quoted in a new report from The Coalition to Stop the Use of Child Soldiers.

The report says both governments and armed groups continue to force children to fight their wars.

Although their numbers are apparently decreasing, non-state armed groups remain the biggest recruiters of child soldiers and the most resistant to change.

[Victoria Forbes Adam, Coalition Director]:
"Tens of thousands of children remain in the ranks of dozens of armed groups in at least 24 different countries or territories.''

The coalition says a concerted action is needed to stop the problem.

[Victoria Forbes Adam, Coalition Director]:
"It won't be easy. It requires those involved in conflict prevention, mediation, peace building and development to recognize this is not a marginal or specialist issue.''

Most governments deny using children as fighters or say they are trying to change practices.
But the report says nine still use children in their armies, Myanmar being the most persistent offender.