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Re. Sierra Leone

To the editor:

Sierra Leone's youth minister, Dennis Bright, is right to warn that lack of attention to the situation of young people could quickly lead to further conflict and instability.

The Revolutionary United Front forced and otherwise systematically withdrew thousands of young Sierra Leonean girls and boys into their ranks by capitalising on widespread feelings of political and social "marginalisation." Peace has come to Sierra Leone, but young people say their marginalisation has intensified, as few can access quality education or healthcare, or attain jobs. The majority of Sierra Leone's population is under 25. They were at the center of the war and they must be at the center of reconstruction if peace will be sustained.

Jane Lowicki
Women's Commission for Refugee Women and Children