The situation of children in the eastern provinces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has deteriorated dramatically over the past months. Children are bearing the brunt of the intensification of armed activities by a growing number of armed groups, including resurgent armed groups, particularly in North Kivu and Ituri. “The latest increase [...]
Statement at the Arria Formula Meeting on the Repatriation of Children by the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict, Ms. Virginia Gamba 29 January 2021 Please check against delivery Mr. President, Your Excellencies Distinguished members of the Security Council, I am delighted to be here with you today and I would [...]
Kaga Bandoro, Central African Republic - During a week-long visit to the Central African Republic, the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict, Virginia Gamba, visited Kaga-Bandoro for talks with leaders of armed groups. She invited them to join the ongoing efforts to ensure better prevention of serious violations of children's [...]
Dee Brillenburg-Wurth talks about the protection of children to members of an armed group in eastern DR Congo. Copyrights: MONUSCO
On 25 January, the hand of Simon [NAME CHANGED], 9, is wrapped around an assault rifle, two days before his release from the SSDA Cobra Faction armed group, in Jonglei State. “I’m 9 years old. I have spent one year with the Faction. I have not done any fighting with the enemy, but I practised shooting trees. When there were serious missions, they wouldn’t let me join because I’m too young. They said only big people go on serious missions.”
