Sierra Leone´s Child Soldiers: War Exposures and Mental Health Problems by Gender
This study contributes to a growing body of literature examining the experience of child soldiers by gender. In particular it provides quantitative data on rates of war experiences among male and female CAAFAG to shed light on important differences and similarities. This study emphasizes that children’s psychosocial adjustment must be considered in light of war experiences, post-conflict resources and gender (, .pdf.).
The Role of Women in Stabilization and Reconstruction
This report summarizes the challenges in supporting women in the process of transitional justice, also focusing on the important role women play here. There are also suggestions how to implement solutions (24 pages, .pdf, for historical reference).
The right to reparation for survivors – Recommendations for reparation for survivors of the 1994 genocide against Tutsi
IBUKA and its 15 member organisations, the Survivors Fund (SURF) and REDRESS (the Organisations) submit this discussion paper to the Government of Rwanda to help progress discussions on reparation for survivors of the genocide with survivors, survivor organisations and other stakeholders. The Organisations propose a range of options that could be explored further with a view to ensuring that survivors ultimately secure reparation, in particular in the form of rehabilitation, restitution and compensation.
https://redress.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Oct-12-Right-to-Reparation-for-Survivors.pdf
Child soldiers and Disarmament, Demobilization, Rehabilitation and Reintegration in West Africa
This report describes current child soldier and DDR programs, as well as gaps, funding needs and overlaps identified by those organizations. It further outlines proposals for information sharing and more effective advocacy work on child soldier issues in the sub-region. Ideas for new research are also proposed. this report is not an evaluation or compilation of best practices, but an attempt to share knowledge about the organizations working on DDR in the region, giving an overview of programs being undertaken by child protection agencies in West Africa. It does not intend to give a complete picture and many relevant and important programs and activities are not mentioned here simply because it was not possible to meet every stakeholder.
The psychosocial impact of war, HIV and other high-risk situations on girls and boys in West and Central Africa.
The psychological and physical suffering of children expressed in the testimonies makes for disturbing reading. But the findings need to be understood for what they are: reports on children in extreme situations where traditional and modern protection mechanisms of states, families and communities have failed .
What happened to the women? Gender and reparations for human rights violations
Rather than starting out from a preconceived list of items that a gender sensitive reparations program has to abide by, it would seem that, in order to claim that women have been taken into account, a policy of reparations must begin by including the voices of women .
The impact of conflict on women and girls in West and Central Africa
Côte d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Liberia and Sierra Leone, are still embroiled in, or emerging from, long-term warfare. Women and girls in these countries are most vulnerable to gender-based violence and need special protection measures. This study on the situation of war-affected girls and women in the region highlights programmes being implemented with partners to address the impact of conflict, and recommends how UNICEF can more proactively champion the rights of girls – particularly adolescent girls.
Central African Republic Côte d'Ivoire Democratic Republic of Congo Global Liberia Sierra Leone West Africa
Post-Conflict Peacebuilding: Meeting Human Needs for Justice and Reconciliation
The ending of overt violence via a peace agreement or military victory does not mean the achievement of peace.2 Rather, the ending of violence or a so-called post-conflict situation provides a new set of opportunities that can be grasped or thrown away.3 The international community can play a significant role in either nurturing or undermining this fragile peace building process. Both justice and reconciliation are fundamentally significant goals that need to be addressed in the design of successful post-conflict peace building processes and mechanisms, especially in the aftermath of genocide.
Assessing Trauma in Sierra Leone
This report is the product of close co-operation and hard work by a multinational team motivated to bear witness to the anguish suffered by the Sierra Leone population.
https://www.msf.org/sites/msf.org/files/2018-08/assessing-trauma-in-sierra-leone.pdf
Children Affected by Armed Conflict/ Child Soldiers
Child Soldiers provides an overview of the conditions and treatment of the estimated 250,000 children who fight in wars around the world. This thematic page describes the impact soldiering has on children and steps being taken to end this abuse.
http://yapi.org/youth-wellbeing/children-affected-by-armed-conflict-child-soldiers/
Burma Côte d'Ivoire Liberia Rwanda Sierra Leone Sri Lanka Sudan