Violence escalates in North Eastern Uganda

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[KAMPALA, 29 November 2006] – UNICEF in Uganda, in view of the continued violence linked to the ongoing process of disarmament in areas of northern Kotido District, expresses its serious concern about the impact of escalating insecurity on the lives of children and families in those locations. UNICEF and its partners urge national and local authorities to undertake all measures required to ensure the protection of the most vulnerable members of the civilian population, including children and women.

Furthermore, UNICEF reiterates the position expressed by the UN Humanitarian Coordinator, in his 10 November 2006 statement, of urging restraint of all arms carriers in relation to the ongoing process of disarmament in order to avoid further escalation of insecurity and to minimise the impact on innocent civilians, especially on the lives of children and families.

The latest reports from UN staff in the area confirm that 13 women and nine children have died in connection with the ongoing disarmament operations within the past month, and that the presence of unexploded ordnance as a result of bombardments poses an additional risk to children and families.

UNICEF Representative in Uganda, Martin Mogwanja, said that sustained exposure of children to violence could have both short- and long-term effects. “In addition to the immediate threat of bodily harm and death, violence can exert a cumulative toll on entire communities. Violence can keep children out of school and rob them of the chance to fulfill their potential. Multiplied many times over, violence robs the community of its potential for development,” he said.

“The protection of children and women is a universal imperative and a responsibility not only of the Government, in accordance with its international human rights obligations and national policy, but also the responsibility of every stakeholder and every community member in the Karamoja sub-region,” he said.

“There must be a redoubling of efforts to enable all children and women in Uganda to have unhindered access to protection, as well as health, education, safe water, shelter and other essential services,” added Mogwanja.

Further information

 

pdf: http://www.unicef.org/media/media_37110.html

Country: 
Uganda
Attachment Link: 
http://www.unicef.org/media/media_37110.html

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