By Kylie M Tsudama
Impunity Watch Reporter, Africa

NEW YORK, United States – Although the United Nations estimates that the number of child soldiers has fallen to 250,000 from 300,000 worldwide five years ago, Radhika Coomaraswamy, UN Special Representative of the Secretary General for Children and Armed Conflict, said this is a “terrible year for children in armed conflict.”

In a report to the UN Human Rights Council, Coomaraswamy detailed he grave situation that children and child soldiers face in the conflicts around the world.  She said that the toll on children and the people in general is especially high in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DR Congo) and the Central African Republic (CAR), as well as many Asian countries.

Children in DR Congo caught in the fighting between government troops and Hutu rebels has led to a large number of children being killed and maimed.

“The nature of conflict is changing and civilians are increasingly on the frontline.  The toll on children is more brutal than ever,” she said.  Adding, “Children, many of them are used as suicide bombers as well as fighters… But, we also have a situation where large numbers of children are arrested and detained in the counter-terrorism activity.  And, this is of concern to us.  We also are concerned about collateral damage that often results with child victims.”

Child soldiers have already been released in Chad and Burundi earlier this year, while there are children in CAR that are set to be released this year.

Prior to the release of Burundi children, the number of cases rape and sexual violence, abduction and detention of children and child recruitment by the Forces Nationales pour la Liberation (FNL) rebel group increased.  Although the children have been released in Burundi, UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon says that a climate of impunity still exists for violators of children’s rights there.                                   

The Secretary General called on authorities to investigate and prosecute cases in a “rigorous and timely” manner in order to “redress impunity for crimes against children.”  He also called on the relevant governments to come up with a comprehensive strategy “that ensures an end to impunity through the prosecution of perpetrators and that takes measures to provide support for girl and boy victims of sexual violence.”

The Security Council Working Group may consider taking a trip to Burundi in the coming months to survey the situation and monitor the country’s progress.

For more information, please see:

AllAfrica – Burundi: Tackling Impunity for Violators of Child Rights Next Step for Burundi, Says Ban – 18 September 2009

Relief Web – Tackling Impunity for Violators of Child Rights Next Step for Burundi, Says Ban– 18 September 2009

UN News Centre – Tackling Impunity for Violators of Child Rights Next Step for Burundi, Says Ban – 18 September 2009

Manila Bulletin – UN Warns of ‘Terrible Year for Children’ – 17 September 2009

VOA – UN Report Describes ‘Terrible’ Year for Children in Armed Conflict – 16 September 2009

By Jared Kleinman
Impunity Watch Reporter, Africa

KAMPALA, Uganda – Police fired live ammunition and tear gas at protestors on September 10th, killing 21 and injuring 86 people.  The protestors were demonstrating against the police’s refusal to allow King Ronald Mutebi II, ruler of the Baganda tribe, access to the Kayunga district.  After the Bagandan ruler’s travel ban had been imposed, the Bagandan youth took to the streets, stealing ammunition from police and other confronting officers.  The protestor’s actions escalated tensions and infused riots which resulted in violence and bloodshed.  663 people were ultimately arrested.

(Source: CNN – Ugandan police ride past a burning barricade in the Natete suburb of Kampala on Friday.)

The King Ronald Mutebi II, known locally as the kabaka, is the leader of the Bagandan people, Uganda’s largest ethnic group.  The kabaka attempted to enter the district in order to observe preparations and make a formal presentation for the festivities of National Youth Day that was scheduled to take place September 12th.  The Kayunga district, in which the kabaka was denied access, is populated with a renegade rival group, the Banyala, who reject the kabaka’s authority.  The government’s refusal to allow the kabaka access to the Kayunga district was taken as an insult to the Badandan people and as a result riots ensued.

Kings in Uganda are limited to a ceremonial role overseeing traditional and cultural affairs. Government officials and the Buganda kingdom have been at odds for years, sparring over land, sovereignty and political power.  “The government is wrong to undermine cultural institutions, which are the backbone of Uganda’s heritage,” said Mzamiru Balidha, a resident of Kampala.  “Cultural leaders must be left alone since they are not interfering in politics.”

It still remains unclear whether any of the protesters initially engaged in violence.  The police’s reaction to the protestors by firing tear gas and live ammunition is what remains under review.  “The available evidence raises serious concerns that police used excessive force in confronting demonstrators,” said Georgette Gagnon, Africa director at Human Rights Watch.  “Violence during protests may require that the police use force, but it must be proportionate,” said Gagnon.  “Here it appears that the police use of live ammunition prompted an escalation in bloodshed.”  “A thorough investigation is needed to find out who is responsible for yesterday’s violence.”

For more information, please see:

Bloomberg – Ugandan Riot’s Death Toll Rises to 21; Arrests Made, DPA Says – 14 September 2009

CBC News – Ugandan Riots Kill 21 – 14 September 2009

CNN – At Least 21 People Died in Ugandan Riots, Police Say – 14 September 2009

HRW – Uganda: Police Restraint Needed in Response to Protests – 11 September 2009