Coalition to Stop the Use of Child Soldiers - review 2009

The last year has been an extremely difficult time for the Coalition and its partners, especially in the DRC where OPS donations have been directed. At the time of writing the 2008 Q3 update there was an upsurge in violence in the region, involving fighting between Congolese government troops and rebels.

Unfortunately the violence also led to the re-enlistment and abduction of many children, many of whom found themselves fighting on the front line. Whilst the conflict in the DRC may have fallen out of the headlines of late the situation remains extremely dangerous and unstable. The recent arrest of rebel leader General Laurent Nkunda in Rwanda may provide a source of optimism for many people, however, the events of the last year underline the challenges faced by the Coalition and the continuing unresolved problems of Disarmament, Demobilization, and Reintegration (DDR) in the region.

The instability in the region has of course made it extremely difficult for the Coalition's regional partners to operate - many of them were personally affected by the violence. Nonetheless, the awareness raising  and advocacy activities have continued with radio broadcasts, containing key messages on the rights of children and the illegality of child recruitment, being transmitted in the region throughout the conflict. The international Red Hand days was also a highlight of 2008 with around 15,000 children in eastern DRC participating in the collection of red hands to be presented to the UN Secretary-General on Children and Armed Conflict.

Looking forward to 2009, the Coalition's regional partners will continue their advocacy role, engaging with community groups and communicating  the message of child rights and the illegality of child recruitment. In particular this will focus on the Mai Mai militia in Beni who actively recruit children into their ranks. Furthermore, the Coalition will continue to support DDR activities with an emphasis on the re-integration of girls into the community, especially those with infants born in the ranks.

Part of this advocacy strategy is a series of public education campaigns at key child rights events throughout the year, such as Red Hand Day (February) and the Day of the African Child (June). OPS funds will support the participation of children in these events. Activities will likely include: hosting screenings of coalition-produced documentaries on child soldiers, theatre plays addressing prevention strategies, children’s poetry slam, street parades, and broadcasting key messages on local radio programs.

I'd like to thank Carissa and Heloise from the Coalition who have prepared a detailed summary of 2008 and a work plan for 2009, see link below. The events in the DRC during 2008 highlight the continuing importance of the Coalition and the work of its regional partners. Myself and the OPS trustees feel that this remains a vitally important cause and one that we are delighted to support.

DRC Country Strategy 2009-10 vfinal.doc(160 KB)

James Etchells, January 2009