The phenomenon of using children in armed conflict as soldiers has received increasing attention through the important study of the impact of war on children by Machel. One of the common tasks assigned to children is to serve as porters, often carrying very heavy loads of up to 60 kilograms, including ammunition or injured soldiers. Child soldiers are often both physically and psychologically abused. Some children are also sexually abused, and forced to abuse others. Sexual violence not only causes emotional problems, but can also cause important physical problems such as HIV/AIDS. Reintegration of former child soldiers into their community and society might be hampered significantly through public reactions of revenge, stigmatization and even rejection. Long-term exposure to extreme experiences, such as killings, rape, fights, mutilation, can make it very difficult for these children and adolescents to adapt again to the 'normal' way of life in society.