Submitted by crinadmin on
Summary: This report examines how young
people in the region are facing
increased risks of gender-based
violence, recruitment into
government military forces, and
other human rights abuses due to
the continued lack of security and
protection.The Women’s Commission has found that in the absence of
adequate state protection by the government of Uganda,
internally displaced persons (IDPs) have sought alternative
means of protection and survival. An estimated 50,000 “night
commuters” – most of them children, adolescents and women –
regularly flee their homes each night for town centers seeking
safety from LRA attack. In addition, IDPs are increasingly relying
on government-supported Local Defense Units – civilian militias –
to defend themselves against the LRA. Despite the Ugandan
government’s assertion that they do not use child soldiers, IDP
camp leaders and humanitarian agencies report the active
recruitment of children into the Local Defense Units.
The situation of night commuters dramatically illustrates how
inadequate protection has led to increasing violence against
children and adolescents. Many adolescents have reported cases
of sexual violence against night commuters en route to and at
sleeping centers, exposing night commuters to the risk of
unwanted pregnancies and contracting HIV/AIDS and other
sexually transmitted infections. Survivors of rape have little
access to medical care, legal support, or counseling assistance to
address the trauma they have experienced.
The international community, donors, and community-based
organizations must work together to explore ways in which to
improve coordination, material support, and partnership with
each other and youth groups to enhance protection of at-risk
children and youth.
Improved protection will in part rely on increased opportunities
for youth leadership. Young people are more than future leaders,
they are today’s leaders, and the future of Northern Uganda will
largely depend upon building their capacity and ensuring their
security.Owner: Matthew D. Emrypdf: www.womenscommission.org/pdf/ug_nightcom.pdf