The report says that the contras used kidnapping for forced recruitment and to obtain guides through rough terrain.

The report also alleges the forced recruitment of children by rebels.

The forced recruitment of local laborers allowed by colonial law made these land grants particularly lucrative for their owners.

Voluntary numbers were insufficient and forced recruitment was introduced within a few months.

Officials also report that the rebels are increasing their use of forced recruitment and the killing of civilian authorities.

The forced recruitment of civilians is a practice that rebel and Reagan Administration officials promise will be halted.

The treaty's final draft would now prohibit forced recruitment of children for use in armed conflict" but allow voluntary enlistment.

The guerrillas, who count the forced recruitment of child soldiers among their crimes, are less vulnerable to international shame.

He argued that the tradition of 17-year-old volunteers "was preferable to forced recruitment at 18."