Peace deal signed in the Democratic Republic of Congo
Save the Children welcomes the signing of the peace deal in the DRC by government negotiators and militia groups. However we urge commanders to immediately release children working as child soldiers.
Friday 25 January 2008
Government negotiators and militia groups signed an "act of engagement" for an immediate ceasefire on 23 January in Goma, the eastern Congo. The deal includes an immediate ceasefire and the deployment of UN peacekeepers to key areas.
"This peace agreement is of immeasurable importance and is the first essential step towards stability for children in the Democratic Republic of Congo," Hussein Mursal, DRC Country Director of Save the Children said.
"However the deal must deliver on protecting the huge number of children who are still suffering horrific physical, sexual and mental abuse as a result of this conflict. Thousands of boys and girls are still being held captive by armed groups", he continued.
Save the Children urges that, as part of their commitment to peace, all commanders must take responsibility for the immediate release of all children in their ranks. Action must be taken now to end the recruitment of child soldiers and widespread acts of sexual violence currently committed with impunity by all armed forces. All parties involved must also ensure that the displaced communities and children who have been separated from their families can return home safely.
