Children and today's wars
Children including adolescents are victims of today's wars; they have also become deliberate and active combatants. Ten thousand children are forced to flee their homes, abducted, killed, or die from preventable diseases. Many are years out of school. The experiences of being child soldiers, injuries, breakdown of community, and emotional and mental traumas all have long-term impacts.
While children are supposed to be protected by international law, in reality, they are not.
Children, a time of upheaval in even the most stable situation, is immeasurably more difficult in armed conflict without any support from the community. They are ignored by armed conflict; too often become soldiers and victims, losing opportunities to be students and develop leadership skills.
More information on children's current situation in Northern Uganda:
- Uganda: Child Abductions Skyrocket in North Human Rights Watch Press Release, March 28, 2003
- "Stolen Children: Abduction and Recruitment in Northern Uganda" Report, March 2003
- Testimonies from "Stolen Children: Abduction and Recruitment in Northern Uganda" from "Stolen Children: Abduction and Recruitment in Northern Uganda"
- URGENT PROTECTION AND PEACE NEEDED FOR CIVILIANS - ESPECIALLY CHILDREN - IN NORTHERN UGANDA
Some of the names of the students who recently were abducted by the rebel from one of IDP school in Agoro:
- Apiyo Susan, Primary five, 14yrs
- Lotoo Ocero, Primary 4, 13yrs
- Olara Oduu, Primary 7
- Okot Partrick, Primary 6
- Lonyera Denies, Primary 4
- Pacotoo Canogura, Primary 4, 14yrs
- Samuel Baker Tolit, Primary 5
- Okeny David, Primary 5
- Omoo Partric Richard, Primary 5
- Amone Nixson, Primary 5
- Aguta Sebii, Primary 4
- Okwera Saverio, Primary 5
- orach Solomon, Primary 6
- Arob Jimmy, Primary 7
- Obowoya Vincent, Primary 6
- Otema Sisto, Primary 7
- Akech James, Primary 7
- Kidega Patrick, Secondary 2