Sierra Leone

Problems with the reintegration of children-soldiers

UNICEF warned that the programme for rehabilitation of more than 7000 children-soldiers, fighting in the decade-long civil war in Sierra Leone might be terminated due to serious lack of assets.

According to UNICEF representatives, 1.4 million dollars are immediately needed and additional 2.5 million dollars in the near future for the re-education and training programme to be completed.

The UNICEF representative in Sierra Leone, Abubakri Tal, said that the two-year programme for reintegration of children-soldiers has already had much success. "About 98% of the ex children soldiers have returned to their communities", said Tal.

UNICEF warns that the threat for the rehabilitation programme in Sierra Leone comes in time when the abuse of children in military purposes is growing again in Africa, especially in Liberia, Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda and Burundi.

According to UNICEF, in 30 countries of the world every moment 300000 children take part in conflicts as soldiers, guerrilla soldiers, spies and sexual slaves.

 

G.Sh.