News emerged today that 232 children have been released by Mayi Mayi rebels in North Kivu, DRC. Their release was apparently secured by UNICEF, working with UN peacekeepers and Save the Children. The children are being cared for in camps prior to reunification with their families. Whilst such reunifications are far from straightforward, the children's release is undoubtedly welcome news. It also gives cause for hope that the many other children seized by rebel forces to serve in armed conflict - in the DRC and elsewhere - may yet win their freedom.
Certainly, there appears to be an increased public and media interest in the plight of child soldiers. This is evident in the North American and European media, and perhaps in the African media too. Does this mean international agencies are intensifying their efforts to address the problem? Is increased publicity contributing to increased resistance within affected populations? Perhaps even a change of heart within some of the rebel forces? Now that would be a reason to be hopeful...
Saturday, November 17, 2007
Day Thirty-Seven: children released by DRC rebels
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Posts
1 comment:
Any good new that comes out of DRC is to be celebrated - for there usn't a great deal of it. There are more stories about the lack of water, food, medications and education in a country rich in natural resources. Four million deaths from the conflicts of the last decade. The recruitment of child soldiers is a horrendous crime in a country riven by strife too often funded and fuelled by blood diamonds. Let's hope the release of these children is the beginning of better news from DRC.
Post a Comment