UNICEF Presentation Kacoke Madit 2000

By Keith Wright

Ladies & Gentlemen, we come together today in many different capacities - government ministers, Members of Parliament, traditional leaders, religious leaders, diplomats and individual members of the public. But we are all joined together in our desire to find a peaceful solution to the conflict that has been waged in Acholiland and parts of Lango and West Nile for far too many years. All armed conflicts are terrible but this one has been especially bad because it has targeted innocent civilians and especially children. Children are bearing the brunt of the conflict.

This appears to be the best opportunity to resolve this conflict since 1994. We must take this opportunity. This is why it is good to see so many people here today who want to find a peaceful resolution to the conflict.

I was particularly encouraged to hear the representative of the Rwot describe the type of dialogue that the traditional leaders want to have with the LRA leadership. As one of reconciliation and not of victory. It takes particular courage to focus on mutual reconciliation rather than revenge and retribution after such as brutal conflict. The Acholi culture will be a useful tool to facilitate that reconciliation process.

The way forward is a process of "push" and "pull". To take action that will "push" the LRA out of southern Sudan so that they have no safe haven. This requires that the LRA have no opportunity to be supplied with military equipment, denied the use of communication equipment and are not allowed to stay or travel within the Sudan. The "pull" is to encourage the LRA fighters to come home. We need to show that we are sincere about reconciliation and send that message clearly to the LRA fighters. Similarly, we have to clearly show that there is no support for the conflict to continue. The future is peace; it is not conflict.

While people may pause to think as to where they sincerely stand, let me underline the human cost of this conflict. Since 1986 the LRA has focused on attacking civilian population and services such as health units and schools. The LRA abducted over 26,000 people, of which over 12,000 are children. Of these, over 5,000 are registered as missing. These children can be in captivity with the LRA, or in a situation where they cannot reach home or are dead. To remind everyone of the human suffering behind these statistics Robert (aged 14 years) will describe his experience at the hands of the LRA.

We know that Robert’s story is not unusual and it is not an exaggeration. The lives of children such as Robert and all those who live in fear of abduction is in our hands today.

Now is the time to turn our words into action. The ending of support to the LRA by the Government of Sudan, their willingness to facilitate dialogue between interested parties and Kony and assistance to any escapees from the LRA is extremely helpful. The Government of Uganda welcomes initiatives to directly dialogue with the LRA. A vital part of the "pull" will be the full implementation of the Amnesty Act. It is important to make contacts with Kony before he retreats, distrustful of any party. The Carter Centre has paved the way for dialogue. The Carter Centre, in the eyes of Kony is an organisation that can be trusted, but it cannot deliver reconciliation, as the Acholi perceive the concept. That has to be initiated and led by you in this conference today. It is important to use all communication means to reach the LRA leadership and commanders and the abducted children. The radio is an important link at this time when physical meetings are proving difficult. The radio can broadcast messages from the parents to welcome their children home and from families to encourage their relatives to return. Over all, the radio can communicate the attitudes and hopes of the people to the LRA.

The lives of the children now in captivity are in real danger. It is vital to act fast before the LRA fighters loose trust in all parties and retreat from dialogue and block opportunities for reconciliation.

UNICEF is willing to play its role to bring about the release of all abducted children, their safe return have and the permanent ending of all child abductions.

It is hoped that this meeting will find practical ways to bring a final resolution of the conflict so that the children in the sub-region can look forward to a bright future.

Thank you.