IRAQ:

The U.S. government says 17-year-old soldiers were among the occupying forces. A large number of children received military training under Saddam Hussein's government. Insurgent groups reportedly use children as combatants.

U.N. protocol prohibiting use of child soldiers: not signed

ISRAEL AND OCCUPIED PALESTINIAN TERRITORIES:

Government forces train child volunteers from 14 years old, including in the use of weapons. Israeli forces have detained Palestinian children and allegedly use torture and other forms of coercion to recruit Palestinian children as informants. Palestinian armed groups used children in armed attacks and suicide bombings inside Israel. Children were used by Israeli settler groups to intimidate and harass Palestinians.

U.N. protocol prohibiting use of child soldiers: ratified July 2005

YEMEN:

There are reports that children were recruited by government armed forces and tribal groups.

U.N. protocol prohibiting use of child soldiers: not signed