UNICEF’s role in advocating for the release and reintegration of child soldiers to their communities: Gloria Kodzwa
Rebel groups abducted many children from their homes, and communities. In most cases, girls were turned into sex slaves while the boys were used as servants to run errands and as they grew older, they were given arms to fight.
UNICEF staff, at great risk, engaged with Governments and the rebel groups to advocate for the release of the abducted boys and girls. Peace negotiations were held with the rebel groups. UNICEF made representations insisting that talks be conditional on the release of ALL children.
UNICEF’s comparative advantage was its independence, its focus on the rights of children to be children and to enjoy this period of their lives. Our attention to language and cultural sensitivities together with a strong child protection team facilitated negotiations for the release of children. A number of UNICEF staff actively participated in these discussions. Staff were often disappointed with the outcome as children were used as "instruments/tools" by the rebel groups to negotiate for arms, and their clear passage to new operational areas.
UNICEF successfully engaged civil society, traditional structures, and the church, in countries where religion was a strong element. Despite the challenges and disappointments, UNICEF achieved the release of children in Mozambique held by Renamo – Alfonso Dlakama, Uganda Lord Resistance Army - Joseph Koni ,(greater number of girls released) and Burundi (National Liberation Forces - Agathon Rwasa) and Sudan (still work in progress). Many of these children were held and only released when a peace agreement was signed, keeping these children in limbo long after the armed conflict ended.
"The recruitment and military deployment of children is a grave human rights violation. However, former child soldiers are often ostracized for their associations with the groups that exploited them. And though thousands of children received assistance from groups like UNICEF and the United Nations Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration (DDR) program, children who are traumatized by the violence they've experienced and forced to perpetrate find adapting to civilian life a painful uphill battle. "(1)
The reintegration process is long and arduous. In some cases, communities did not readily accept the returnees. Some of the children, particularly girls, with their infants, were housed in boarding facilities under the care of the Catholic Church, as was the case in Uganda and Mozambique.
"UNICEF's re-integration program for former child soldiers has always been critically underfunded. Around the world, UNICEF has helped more than 8,700 children released from armed groups readjust to civilian life and find their families since 2017." (2)
The last 112 boys and two girls, (out of 3000 children) after “two grueling years” of negotiations, were finally released in early April 2009 by the Agathon Rwasa FNL in Burundi, as part of their commitment to legitimacy and registration as an official political party. “Negotiations for the release of the children…” was “conducted by the United Nations, the World Bank, UNICEF, the African Union and others in the international community”. (3)
The task of releasing the last 112 out of 3000 was delayed on several occasions despite the final agreement being reached two years before. On 14 April 2009, the last 112 child soldiers were released to UNICEF in Bujumbura and transported to a hostel arrangement in Gitega. It was a day of joy for UNICEF, the UN mission and to some extent the children. During my tenure in Burundi, it was demoralizing to observe the lack of urgency by duty bearers to get these children released. UNICEF relied heavily on international NGOs with DDR experience (limited local partners) who supported the UN in its negotiation so it was a day to celebrate but also a day of the child soldiers to ask “what is next” they have only known armed conflict, guns and each other. Now they will be experiencing separation anxiety. Hence UNICEF senior staff and the UN Mission Child Protection staff assisted actively in the transition from military life to civilian life. The duty bearers continued their involvement in the reintegration. While they were slow at getting involved, eventually, once the children handed in their arms and military attire, in exchange for civilian clothes, the Government became involved.
UNICEF/USA recently published a very comprehensive report on the challenges of reintegration of children associated with armed conflict. (4)
Some of the major concerns expressed by the young men and women focused on their rehabilitation process, length of support, and fears of rejection by their families. Many of them wanted to learn a trade and receive an education to sustain themselves and while this process was taking place they worried about how they would sustain themselves. Their trust in the Government was understandingly poor and they considered UNICEF as reliable.
The UNICEF team, led by me as the Representative and guided by the Regional Office (Dorothy Rozga Deputy Regional Director) and the office of Ms. Coomaraswamy, developed a mid to long term DRR (Demobilization, Rehabilitation and Reintegration) Plan. The event was taking place along with the development of the first 4-year plan. At the end of the 2007 Country Program, Burundi had annual program extensions. The plan required substantial human resources investment. UNICEF's ability to have a flexible program and continue with the country program required internal adjustments in the office. The new situation had to reckon with the required flexibility without moving away from the agreed upon program with the Government. We all recognized the importance of Government engagement, and that this was critical to the positive outcome of this effort.
Many high-level meetings were held between the Head BINUB, the UN Mission (Mr. Youssef Mahamoud, (Special Representative to the Secretary General) and Ms. Bintou Keita, Deputy Head of Mission), myself as the UNICEF Country Representative and the President’s office in order to explain the DRR process, the role and responsibility of Government and partners; and reach agreement on the approach. The outcome of the negotiations resulted in Government accepting technical advice as well as allocation of resources to the DRR process. The people of France and Spain provided substantial funding and UNICEF was in active negotiation with Government and the World Bank from the MDRP program.
Agreement was reached to outpost UNICEF/UN Mission staff in relevant Government Departments. Barbara Jamal from UNICEF and Bernadette Sene from the UN Mission were outposted to the Ministry of Social Development with the clear mandate to get full participation of the Government for the speedy implementation of the DRR process. The late President (Pierre Nkurunziza) appointed a full-time advisor to work with the UNICEF Country Representative and Head of the UN Mission. We welcomed this as a positive move and an opportunity to "get ownership" of the process.
Save the Children was the only International NGO with DRR experience and we supported them to work closely with the Burundian Red Cross. The goal was not to fail these children and to get Government to assume its responsibility, not an impossible task but required good, honest, firm and deliberate communication.
“GITEGA, Burundi, 14 April 2009 - At an impromptu sports clinic, UNICEF Representative in Burundi Gloria Kodzwa gave a strong pep talk to 112 children separated last week from Burundi's last rebel group, the Palipehutu-FNL. (5)
Ms. Kodzwa was on a visit to the Gitega Demobilization Centre to assess the situation of the children and to deliver a UNICEF recreation kit for their use.
Herself a former Olympic bronze medalist in basketball, Ms. Kodzwa coached the young people on that game and on tossing Frisbees. Leading by example, she also coaxed several of them to try skipping rope.
Questions about the future
When the sports and applause were over, the young people - who have seen war at close quarters for up to five years - raised serious questions about their welfare in the centre and their future prospects. Some still need new clothes and shoes to replace their military fatigues and boots. Blankets are in short supply, as well.
The youths said they were eager to receive their separation allowances and return home. Ms. Kodzwa assured them that UNICEF will continue to work with the government to ensure their quick transition, but she advised patience and cooperation during their rehabilitation by the non-governmental Organization for Development of the Archdiocese of Gitega.
Rehabilitation services, she stressed, will provide the psychosocial, medical and material support necessary for their successful reintegration into their families and communities.
Ms. Kodzwa noted that some time was needed to prepare their families to receive them and to prepare the young people themselves for a fresh start in life. A government official at the Demobilization Centre, Pierre Kugira, also told them that the remaining supplies were forthcoming.
The Governments of France and Spain are provided financial support for the rehabilitation and reintegration of the children. Meanwhile, the Office of the Facilitator of the Burundi Peace Process has congratulated the Government of Burundi and the FNL for this important step. It noted, however, that the international community expects the immediate and unconditional release of the remaining children associated with the FNL, for reunification with their families.
Thousands reintegrated
Between 2004 and 2006, UNICEF, in collaboration with the then Office of the United Nations in Burundi and other partners, helped the Government of Burundi to rehabilitate and reintegrate over 3,000 former child soldiers. Last year, UNICEF assisted in separating and rehabilitating another group of 220 children formerly associated with a 'dissident faction' of the FNL.
At the end of her visit with the newly released young people here last week, Ms. Kodzwa of UNICEF promised to return in two weeks to ensure that all is well and to assess their sporting prowess. She later said that seeing the high morale of the children and their faith in the future was the best 61st birthday gift she could have hoped for.
On the visit, Ms. Kodzwa was accompanied by the Child Protection Officer from the Integrated Office of the United Nations in Burundi, Bernadette Sene, the Humanitarian Officer of the Executive Secretariat of the International Conference of the Great Lakes, Andre Samba, and UNICEF Acting Head of Child Protection Cristina Gonzale”
The children left the transit centre in a festive ambiance with their exit kits which consisted of a brand-new pair of jeans, a pair of shoes and socks, a belt and a shirt. They also received food items: 8 kg of rice, 5 kg of beans, 2 kg of sugar and 2 kg of salt to be shared with their families. In addition, they received for 18 months the equivalent of 22,500 FBU in kind (the family of the child will decide the content of the package in kind). This constituted the indemnity of transitory subsistence for the reintregation phase. As for the reintegration phase, children will, according to their choice in consultation with their families, benefit from free formal education and vocational training or income generating activities financed up to 170,000 FBU, the equivalent of 140 US dollars for a period of 3 to 6 months.
A year later reintegration was well underway, full government ownership with 4 staff were still outposted. Government hosted two reunion sessions with ex-child soldiers (6 - and 12-months post release). The conversations focused on experience sharing, gaps and needs. The Government took the lead, with technical facilitation from the UN. Government was fully involved in the reintegration and took full ownership of the process. It used the findings from the reunion of child soldiers with their families to strengthen the process.
UNICEF staff, at great risk, engaged with Governments and the rebel groups to advocate for the release of the abducted boys and girls. Peace negotiations were held with the rebel groups. UNICEF made representations insisting that talks be conditional on the release of ALL children.
UNICEF’s comparative advantage was its independence, its focus on the rights of children to be children and to enjoy this period of their lives. Our attention to language and cultural sensitivities together with a strong child protection team facilitated negotiations for the release of children. A number of UNICEF staff actively participated in these discussions. Staff were often disappointed with the outcome as children were used as "instruments/tools" by the rebel groups to negotiate for arms, and their clear passage to new operational areas.
UNICEF successfully engaged civil society, traditional structures, and the church, in countries where religion was a strong element. Despite the challenges and disappointments, UNICEF achieved the release of children in Mozambique held by Renamo – Alfonso Dlakama, Uganda Lord Resistance Army - Joseph Koni ,(greater number of girls released) and Burundi (National Liberation Forces - Agathon Rwasa) and Sudan (still work in progress). Many of these children were held and only released when a peace agreement was signed, keeping these children in limbo long after the armed conflict ended.
Challenges of child soldier re-integration:
Due to weaknesses of local structures, tremendous efforts were made by UNICEF local staff working with Child Protection teams interviewing children and local Government staff to map out possible communities these young children/men belonged and came from. Traditional structures “the local headman” played a critical role in confirming relationships and providing valuable information that facilitated finding family ties. Reintegration and acceptance was not immediate. Girls were much more difficult to reintegrate as many returned with infants/children, born in captivity, and fathered by rebel members. Traditional rituals were organized and held with the returnees, families, and communities."The recruitment and military deployment of children is a grave human rights violation. However, former child soldiers are often ostracized for their associations with the groups that exploited them. And though thousands of children received assistance from groups like UNICEF and the United Nations Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration (DDR) program, children who are traumatized by the violence they've experienced and forced to perpetrate find adapting to civilian life a painful uphill battle. "(1)
The reintegration process is long and arduous. In some cases, communities did not readily accept the returnees. Some of the children, particularly girls, with their infants, were housed in boarding facilities under the care of the Catholic Church, as was the case in Uganda and Mozambique.
"UNICEF's re-integration program for former child soldiers has always been critically underfunded. Around the world, UNICEF has helped more than 8,700 children released from armed groups readjust to civilian life and find their families since 2017." (2)
The last 112 boys and two girls, (out of 3000 children) after “two grueling years” of negotiations, were finally released in early April 2009 by the Agathon Rwasa FNL in Burundi, as part of their commitment to legitimacy and registration as an official political party. “Negotiations for the release of the children…” was “conducted by the United Nations, the World Bank, UNICEF, the African Union and others in the international community”. (3)
The task of releasing the last 112 out of 3000 was delayed on several occasions despite the final agreement being reached two years before. On 14 April 2009, the last 112 child soldiers were released to UNICEF in Bujumbura and transported to a hostel arrangement in Gitega. It was a day of joy for UNICEF, the UN mission and to some extent the children. During my tenure in Burundi, it was demoralizing to observe the lack of urgency by duty bearers to get these children released. UNICEF relied heavily on international NGOs with DDR experience (limited local partners) who supported the UN in its negotiation so it was a day to celebrate but also a day of the child soldiers to ask “what is next” they have only known armed conflict, guns and each other. Now they will be experiencing separation anxiety. Hence UNICEF senior staff and the UN Mission Child Protection staff assisted actively in the transition from military life to civilian life. The duty bearers continued their involvement in the reintegration. While they were slow at getting involved, eventually, once the children handed in their arms and military attire, in exchange for civilian clothes, the Government became involved.
UNICEF/USA recently published a very comprehensive report on the challenges of reintegration of children associated with armed conflict. (4)
Some of the major concerns expressed by the young men and women focused on their rehabilitation process, length of support, and fears of rejection by their families. Many of them wanted to learn a trade and receive an education to sustain themselves and while this process was taking place they worried about how they would sustain themselves. Their trust in the Government was understandingly poor and they considered UNICEF as reliable.
The UNICEF team, led by me as the Representative and guided by the Regional Office (Dorothy Rozga Deputy Regional Director) and the office of Ms. Coomaraswamy, developed a mid to long term DRR (Demobilization, Rehabilitation and Reintegration) Plan. The event was taking place along with the development of the first 4-year plan. At the end of the 2007 Country Program, Burundi had annual program extensions. The plan required substantial human resources investment. UNICEF's ability to have a flexible program and continue with the country program required internal adjustments in the office. The new situation had to reckon with the required flexibility without moving away from the agreed upon program with the Government. We all recognized the importance of Government engagement, and that this was critical to the positive outcome of this effort.
Many high-level meetings were held between the Head BINUB, the UN Mission (Mr. Youssef Mahamoud, (Special Representative to the Secretary General) and Ms. Bintou Keita, Deputy Head of Mission), myself as the UNICEF Country Representative and the President’s office in order to explain the DRR process, the role and responsibility of Government and partners; and reach agreement on the approach. The outcome of the negotiations resulted in Government accepting technical advice as well as allocation of resources to the DRR process. The people of France and Spain provided substantial funding and UNICEF was in active negotiation with Government and the World Bank from the MDRP program.
Agreement was reached to outpost UNICEF/UN Mission staff in relevant Government Departments. Barbara Jamal from UNICEF and Bernadette Sene from the UN Mission were outposted to the Ministry of Social Development with the clear mandate to get full participation of the Government for the speedy implementation of the DRR process. The late President (Pierre Nkurunziza) appointed a full-time advisor to work with the UNICEF Country Representative and Head of the UN Mission. We welcomed this as a positive move and an opportunity to "get ownership" of the process.
Save the Children was the only International NGO with DRR experience and we supported them to work closely with the Burundian Red Cross. The goal was not to fail these children and to get Government to assume its responsibility, not an impossible task but required good, honest, firm and deliberate communication.
During my first visit, I was asked what we should expect. My response was consistent with the plan developed with Government, though the former child soldiers had no confidence in the Government staff. The article below provides the detailed information.
“GITEGA, Burundi, 14 April 2009 - At an impromptu sports clinic, UNICEF Representative in Burundi Gloria Kodzwa gave a strong pep talk to 112 children separated last week from Burundi's last rebel group, the Palipehutu-FNL. (5)
Ms. Kodzwa was on a visit to the Gitega Demobilization Centre to assess the situation of the children and to deliver a UNICEF recreation kit for their use.
Herself a former Olympic bronze medalist in basketball, Ms. Kodzwa coached the young people on that game and on tossing Frisbees. Leading by example, she also coaxed several of them to try skipping rope.
Questions about the future
When the sports and applause were over, the young people - who have seen war at close quarters for up to five years - raised serious questions about their welfare in the centre and their future prospects. Some still need new clothes and shoes to replace their military fatigues and boots. Blankets are in short supply, as well.
The youths said they were eager to receive their separation allowances and return home. Ms. Kodzwa assured them that UNICEF will continue to work with the government to ensure their quick transition, but she advised patience and cooperation during their rehabilitation by the non-governmental Organization for Development of the Archdiocese of Gitega.
Rehabilitation services, she stressed, will provide the psychosocial, medical and material support necessary for their successful reintegration into their families and communities.
Ms. Kodzwa noted that some time was needed to prepare their families to receive them and to prepare the young people themselves for a fresh start in life. A government official at the Demobilization Centre, Pierre Kugira, also told them that the remaining supplies were forthcoming.
The Governments of France and Spain are provided financial support for the rehabilitation and reintegration of the children. Meanwhile, the Office of the Facilitator of the Burundi Peace Process has congratulated the Government of Burundi and the FNL for this important step. It noted, however, that the international community expects the immediate and unconditional release of the remaining children associated with the FNL, for reunification with their families.
Thousands reintegrated
Between 2004 and 2006, UNICEF, in collaboration with the then Office of the United Nations in Burundi and other partners, helped the Government of Burundi to rehabilitate and reintegrate over 3,000 former child soldiers. Last year, UNICEF assisted in separating and rehabilitating another group of 220 children formerly associated with a 'dissident faction' of the FNL.
At the end of her visit with the newly released young people here last week, Ms. Kodzwa of UNICEF promised to return in two weeks to ensure that all is well and to assess their sporting prowess. She later said that seeing the high morale of the children and their faith in the future was the best 61st birthday gift she could have hoped for.
On the visit, Ms. Kodzwa was accompanied by the Child Protection Officer from the Integrated Office of the United Nations in Burundi, Bernadette Sene, the Humanitarian Officer of the Executive Secretariat of the International Conference of the Great Lakes, Andre Samba, and UNICEF Acting Head of Child Protection Cristina Gonzale”
The children left the transit centre in a festive ambiance with their exit kits which consisted of a brand-new pair of jeans, a pair of shoes and socks, a belt and a shirt. They also received food items: 8 kg of rice, 5 kg of beans, 2 kg of sugar and 2 kg of salt to be shared with their families. In addition, they received for 18 months the equivalent of 22,500 FBU in kind (the family of the child will decide the content of the package in kind). This constituted the indemnity of transitory subsistence for the reintregation phase. As for the reintegration phase, children will, according to their choice in consultation with their families, benefit from free formal education and vocational training or income generating activities financed up to 170,000 FBU, the equivalent of 140 US dollars for a period of 3 to 6 months.
A year later reintegration was well underway, full government ownership with 4 staff were still outposted. Government hosted two reunion sessions with ex-child soldiers (6 - and 12-months post release). The conversations focused on experience sharing, gaps and needs. The Government took the lead, with technical facilitation from the UN. Government was fully involved in the reintegration and took full ownership of the process. It used the findings from the reunion of child soldiers with their families to strengthen the process.
The ex-child soldiers, wanting to express appreciation to UNICEF for guiding and facilitating the reintegration process came together and presented me, as the Country Representative, a painting on my departure from Burundi (see picture). The painting was done with guidance from a local painter, who was a former child soldier and released two years earlier and participated in the reunion hosted by Government. The former child soldiers also had some support from the UNICEF country team (Souleymane Diabate Deputy Representative and Joan Zenengeya -Personal Assistant to the Representative), but the concept came from them. The painting was presented by the former child soldiers at a farewell reception hosted by the late President.
- Background of the painting – Map of Burundi
- UNICEF Burundi – Thanking you for the caring support to each of us
- Several images of the Representative – the response was “she was always there for us “even when we locked the doors on her first visit, she was not afraid of us”. (6)
- Agriculture ------Nutrition
- Water and Sanitation – have been working with an NGO to secure water for the community
- Education – a few are having after school lessons as they cannot join regular school
- Health – Immunization, Maternal Health
- Child Protection -they handed in the guns and military attire for civilian clothing. UNICEF listen to us.
- They used the UNICEF logo, when asked what that meant, the response was “UNICEF cared for us like their children, they brought us clothes, books, played games with us, and reunited us with our families/communities.
References:
(1) https://www.unicefusa.org/stories/former-child-soldier-tells-how-unicef-aided-his-transition-peace/35508(2) https://www.unicefusa.org/stories/unicef-working-free-child-soldiers-around-world/35474
(3) https://www.unicefusa.org/stories/former-child-soldier-tells-how-unicef-aided-his-transition-peace/35508
(4) https://childsoldierrelief.wordpress.com/tag/burundi/
(5) https://reliefweb.int/report/burundi/sporting-chance-new-life-former-child-soldiers-burundi
(6) This response from Kathleen Cravero is significant, on 12 October 1999. UN staff were ambushed in Burundi and the UNICEF Representative was assassinated (Luis Zuniga) The assassins were never brought to trial and it was often said that the ambush was carried out by Child soldiers. Kathleen Cravero who was on the ambushed mission, reported: “This Monday, 12 October, marks the tenth anniversary of the ambush in Burundi that claimed the lives of Luis Zuniga and Saskia von Meijenfeldt. For me, 12 October has become a day of remembrance, for Luis and Saskia and for all the humanitarian staff who have lost their lives serving the poor and vulnerable.
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