Save the Children hears reports of indiscriminate killings of Ugandan children
We have been given information of an alleged incident in Karamoja, north-east Uganda in which 66 children were reportedly killed, allegedly by the Ugandan People's Defense Force (UPDF).
Monday 2 April 2007
Save the Children has met with 256 people in three locations who reported that children were shot, crushed by armoured vehicles or were killed by a stampede by frantic animals during raids by the army on a cattle ranch where they were living. Interviewees also reported that landmines were subsequently laid, creating on-going risks for children. The alleged incident took place on 12 February 2007 in Kotido District in Karamoja, Northeastern Uganda.
Save the Children's report has already been shared with the Government of Uganda and the United Nations. Save the Children is calling for a full international and independent investigation of the events of 12 February to commence immediately and for a full prosecution for those found to be guilty or complicit in these grave abuses against children and the people of Karamoja.
While Save the Children didn't find specific physical evidence of the alleged killings, the numerous and consistent reports of the incident from individuals in the area demands serious attention and a full investigation.
Valter Tinderholt, Country Director of Save the Children in Uganda said: "Reports of children being killed in indiscriminate, illegal and inhumane way is absolutely devastating. Such allegations must be fully investigated and those involved brought to account. As a child rights organisation, it would be our greatest failure to allow such reports to go unnoticed."
Save the Children in Uganda calls for:
- a full international and independent investigation of the events of 12 February must be commenced immediately. This investigation should be led by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights. The proceedings of this investigation should be followed closely by a contact group involving members of the diplomatic community in Kampala
- full prosecution for those found to be guilty or complicit in these grave abuses against children and the people of Karamoja.
