SWAY briefs examine needs of war-affected youth in northern Uganda
With an agreement on the DDR of LRA rebels signed and hopes for a final peace agreement on the horizon, we thought it important to point out two recent SWAY reports on war-affected youth in northern Uganda. A November 2007 brief highlights the need for assistance programs that target specific needs (such as literacy and livelihoods) rather than certain categories of youth (such as formerly abducted LRA rebels). A February 2008 brief focuses on women and girls, demonstrating the difficulties they face accessing secondary education and being exposed to domestic violence and family and community conflicts. It argues for an emphasis on gender mainstreaming, livelihood development and targeted health and conflict resolution interventions in policies and programs.
The reports also reveal the immense level of abduction in northern Uganda, revealing that more than a third of male and a fifth of female youth reported abduction by the LRA and estimating that 20 percent of male abductees and five percent of female abductees are dead. Just as importantly, it demonstrates the incredible resiliency of former abductees, who are often likely to be active and productive citizens and leaders.
The reports also reveal the immense level of abduction in northern Uganda, revealing that more than a third of male and a fifth of female youth reported abduction by the LRA and estimating that 20 percent of male abductees and five percent of female abductees are dead. Just as importantly, it demonstrates the incredible resiliency of former abductees, who are often likely to be active and productive citizens and leaders.