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September 21, 2011 (KAMPALA) — Abducted children who were rescued by the Ugandan People’s Defense Forces (UPDF) and the Sudan People’s Liberation Army (SPLA) forces in Western Equatoria state have been reunited with their parents in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
- Abductees departing to the airstrip (ST)
On 20 September 2011, the State Ministry of Social Development in Western Equatoria in collaboration with other partners, returned nine Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) abductees to their families.
The majority were children aged 10-15 years who had spent about nine months in the resource centre in Yambio where they underwent trauma counselling.
The LRA is an armed group originally involved in a struggle with central government of Uganda which now committing atrocities throughout the region.
The State Ministry of Social Development with the support from UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF), UN refugee agency (UNHCR) and other partners have constructed a resource centre where both street children and LRA abductees are housed.
The minister of social development, Norma Fadul said for the last 9 months they have been hosting about 15 children in the transition centre.
Fadul hailed the support from UNICEF, UNCHRC, and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) which made it possible to reunite the children their parents.
Fadul explained that five more abductees have arrived Yambio, four from Western Equatoria and one from Lainya County in Central Equatoria.
- Abductees in with state minister of social development, Norma Fadul and other UN Agencies before departure to DRC (ST)
“Most of the children are traumatized and need counselling in psychosocial and recreation activities, the resource centre is still incomplete,” said Fadul.
In related development she revealed that more than 5,000 children are expected to be repatriated from North Sudan.
She explained that the Ministry of Gender, Child and Social Welfare has signed an agreement with the Republic of Sudan regarding their repatriation.
The director of child welfare, Just Ebere said they have received 44 children this year, thus far, and about 100 last year.
He explained that many children are killed by the LRA when they fail to comply with commands, such as carrying of heavy loads and carrying out torture.
- Abductees with state minister of social development, Norma Fadul and other UN agencies before departure to DRC (ST)
Tambua is 9 years old, he was abducted from Banda in DRC in May 2011, he said he is glad to be going to see his parents and appreciated the care given to him by the state government.
Mborifuko, aged 11, spent four months in the cottage.
“The good thing they did for me is they bought me bags, clothes, shoes, soap, and other good things, both the state government and those who came to visit us here, I am happy to go and see my father, mother and brothers,” she said.
Western Equatoria state in particular has suffered from LRA attacks which has lead to many deaths and mass displacement.
(ST)
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