Demobilization of Rwandan Child Combatants who Fought in the Great Lakes Region (1996-2003)
Date
2007-02-28T12:53:53Z
Authors
Interayamahanga, Reverien
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Abstract
This study aimed to investigate how specific needs of the Rwandan child combatants
who fought in the Great Lakes Region are being addressed in the disarmament,
demobilisation and reintegration (DDR) processes. Data collected by the use of semistructured
interviews of demobilised child combatants and key informants revealed that
many children were recruited after being orphaned, separated from parents, or because
of their search for physical and psychological security which was threatened by war and
its immediate effects. Further, it was found that child combatants experienced harsh
living conditions in the bush due to both the nature of their work as combatants and their
physical and mental immaturity.
As far as the DDR processes are concerned, the study revealed many weaknesses in
addressing the specific needs of child combatants at least until January 2004. However,
there has been a significant positive shift in dealing with the same needs since then. The
absence of female child combatants in the DDR process was noted. This research
concludes with a number of recommendations for both future interventions and further
research.
Description
Student Number : 0513998G -
MA research report -
School of Social Sciences -
Faculty of Humanities
Keywords
recruitment, disarmament, demobilisation, reintegration, child combatant, Rwanda, DRC, ex-FAR, ALIR, FDLR