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Uganda's Children

Philadelphia Inquirer - Thank you for bringing attention to the tragedy in Uganda ("Peace in Uganda: A plan to end a conflict," Oct. 12). The Women's Commission for Refugee Women and Children recently sent a delegation to northern Uganda to look at the situation for children and youth who have grown up knowing nothing but civil war. They have suffered unspeakable atrocities, including recruitment into the rebel group, the Lord's Resistance Army, where they are forced to kill family and friends and act as sex slaves and porters. Many girls bore children after becoming rebel "wives."

As a tentative peace takes hold, the young men and women we met identified education as their priority concern and the solution to many of their problems. Other major concerns are the lack of economic opportunities and access to health facilities.

The young people we met are looking for support from the government of Uganda, with the help of the international community. These young people want to help themselves, but can't do so without support.

Jenny Perlman Robinson
Program officer
Women's Commission
for Refugee Women and Children