Fraynework Justice - Children in War



	The Concerned Parents' Association *The Struggle and Voice of the afflicted people of Uganda.* Background Since 1986 the targets of the rebel groups had been mainly the youth who were forcefully recruited. Over the years, the rebels became more callous and atrocious against the civilian population. To most Ugandans however, it was an Acholi (Kitgum/Gulu) affair. St. Mary's College School, Aboke has been an oasis of academic excellence for girls in northern Uganda, so students came from various districts of Uganda. Although October 9th 1996 was celebrated peacefully, the 10th witnessed the abduction of 139 children. From that day, many parents who went to the school did not leave the compound. Friday the 11th brought more frustration and despair, especially for the parents and relatives of the 30 remaining girls who had not been released. The parents saw the futility of their efforts and tried to draw the attention of the government whom they believed was capable of rescuing their children. Thus the Concerned Parents' Association was born spontaneously. Overall objectives Immediate and unconditional release of all abducted children Peaceful resolution of the conflicts Creation of an awareness of the plight of children in conflict Specific Objectives Provide and disseminate information on child abduction and torture in conflict situations Lobby for support locally, nation-wide and internationally, for the plight and fate of abducted children Establish a network of support for the parents of abducted children Establish support for the re-integration of abducted children Create positive attitudes towards child abduction among the communities and different societies nationwide Activities Undertaken Locally 2,000 people have registered as members of the Concerned Parents' Association (CPA). The Association has lobbied elders and opinion leaders in the four districts of Gulu, Kitgum, Apac and Lira, to talk and support peace efforts. Contacts with influential people who could reach the rebel commanders were made and approach messages were sent to Kony, seeking the release of the children. The Executive traveled to many parts of the four districts to sensitize the population on the need to resist and condemn the rebel actions. The CPA has started to compile lists of abducted persons from a village level with UNICEF assistance. Nationally The CPA has met with influential politicians from various parts of the country. The have met with the President on several occasions. They have established a collaboration with several national organisations dealing with human rights and child welfare. Internationally Many foreign embassies in Uganda with influence in this matter have been contacted. All United Nations Agencies and most Humanitarian agencies in the country were contacted. Appeals were sent to influential world leaders including the Secretary Generals of the UN and OAU. The CPA attended several peace meetings with a number of African countries. The CPA has established links with a number of international humanitarian and human rights groups. Achievements Modest achievements have been recorded. There is an increasing awareness and concern by many Ugandans about the atrocities being committed against innocent citizens, especially children. International pressure is mounting on the perpetrators of these heinous acts. More people see peaceful resolutions to all the conflicts as the only viable alternative. Setbacks There has been no release of abducted children witnessed since the struggle began. We are still a far cry from seeing peace in the northern region. Contact The Concerned Parents' Association PO Box 815, Lira, Uganda Phone/Fax: 256 473 20503 "The Coalition to Stop the Use of Child Soldiers congratulates Ms Angelina Acheng Atyam on being awarded the United Nations Prize for Human Rights for her work against the use of child soldiers... Ms. Atyam, whose own daughter was abducted by a Ugandan rebel armed group, the LordÕs Resistance Army (LRA), helped to found the Concerned Parents Association in Uganda, which has sought the release of all abducted children. It is estimated that the LRA has taken as many as 10,000 children for use and abuse as soldiers. These children are invariably forced to commit atrocities against civilians, including other children." (From the NGO Voice Newsletter) Related links Protection of Children and Adolescents in Complex Emergencies Oslo Seminar, November 1998 Crises in Sudan and Northern Uganda Northern Uganda And Sudan's Support For The Lord's Resistance Army The Anguish of Northern Uganda Observations and recommendations; a report by Robert Gersony. Top Return to Children in War