KINSHASA, Democratic Republic of Congo – More than 200 child soldiers were freed from a pro-government militia according to the U.N. children’s agency UNICEF.  UNICEF announced that the release of 232 children, with an average age of 14, is part of a campaign against the recruitment and use of children by armed groups operating in East Congo.  While the Congo army no longer use children, militias continue to draft and recruit them.  The children are engaged in battle, and used as porters, cooks, and lookouts.

The children were released from the Mai Mai militia through the combined efforts of UNICEF, Save the Children, and the United Nations Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.   Around 29,000 children have been demobilized so far, however it is believed that hundreds or even thousands of children are still working with the armed groups.

According to UNICEF, the children are “currently in transitory care facilities and awaiting family reunification…Once reunified, they will receive assistance to go back to school, undertake vocational training, or start small income generating activities.”

For more information, please see:

BBC News – Children released from DRC rebels – 17 November 2007

AP – Child Soldiers Released in Congo – 17 November 2007

Reuters – More than 200 Congo child soldiers freed – 17 November 2007