Abolish the use of child soldiers- Northern Uganda

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Author: maisie-h

Started: June 30, 2008, 5:48:05 am

Target: Australian Government

Category: Civil & Human Rights

Supporters:

Goal:

100,000

Goal Progress:

Status

Active

We the undersigned,
Ask you to adress the issue of the Lord Resistance Army's use of child soldiers. The Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) in Northern Uganda has been fighting against the government of Uganda for more than 20 years. This war has caused a humanitarian disaster, and has uprooted approximately 80% of northern Uganda's people. Leader of the LRA, Joseph Kony, has built his army by violently abducting and forcefully enlisting children. It is estimated that nearly 25,000 children have been kidnapped by the LRA and have been forced to become labourers, frontline soldiers and, in the case of girls, sexual slaves.

The use of child soldiers is universally condemned, but theses practices still continue in Uganda and many other countries. Such practices should cease immediately and recruited children should be released into safety.

We have an obligation to these children who have had their childhood stolen, and are being forced to be part of the hostilities between the Ugandan government and Lord's Resistance Army.

Leadership from Australia can help to bring peace to this troubled region, and we ask respectfully that you:
- Dedicate Australian funds to target basic health, education and infrastructure needs, so that displaced communities can return home

- Assist the government of Uganda in peace talks with the Lord's Resistance Army

- Help implement final peace talks

Thank-you for taking the time to read this petition.

Sincerly,

The Petition Signers