UNICEF: Calling for release of child soldiers in DR Congo

NEW YORK, USA, 3 March 2009 UNICEF Deputy Executive Director Hilde F. Johnson has urged armed groups in the Democratic Republic of the Congo to release all children associated with the conflict.

Ms. Johnson visited eastern DR Congo last week as joint operations between Congolese and Rwandan troops drew to a close there. Despite a fragile peace that is now in place, years of conflict in the volatile region have caused massive suffering and gross violations of childrens rights.

The recent developments in eastern DRC provide an unprecedented opportunity to free all children from armed groups, said Ms. Johnson. Not one child should be integrated into the Congolese armed forces or police units in the process. We call for a clear timetable for the voluntary release of all children.

To read the full story, visit http://www.unicef.org/infobycountry/drcongo_48408.html

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