HC Deb 14 May 1999 vol 331 c227W
Dr. Tonge

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what reports he has received on the use of child soldiers in(a) Ethiopia and (b) Eritrea [83923]

Mr. Tony Lloyd

Both sides have alleged the other is using child soldiers, but we have seen no firm evidence to support these allegations. Both insist that their policy remains not to recruit anyone younger than 18.

We remain concerned and will continue to monitor the situation.