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Conflict

ASOD-Uganda looks at issues relating to children and young people living in situations of conflict. Another section looks in general at issues facing children and young people living outside of family care. Key points about children and young people living in situations of conflict are: Conflict and HIV/AIDS have been called a double emergency for children. When they occur together, they increase children's vulnerability through causing parental death and by damaging families and communities that protect and care for children.

Conflict affects children and young people in a variety of ways, including the employment of children and young people as soldiers. Conflict increases vulnerability to the spread of HIV/AIDS. Effective responses require training of armed forces and humanitarian staff in how to deal more constructively with children and how to prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS. Efforts to provide care for children should focus on reuniting families and rebuilding communities and not on establishing institutions. HIV/AIDS and Conflict - A Double Emergency Conflict and HIV/AIDS have been called a double emergency for children. When they occur together, they increase children's vulnerability through causing parental death and by damaging families and communities that protect and care for children. Of the 17 countries with more than 100 000 children orphaned by HIV/AIDS, 13 are affected by conflict. Conflict affects children and young people in a variety of ways, including the employment of children and young people as soldiers. For example, in Uganda, it is estimated that approximately 10 000 children and young people have been abducted for training as soldiers.

War Spreads HIV

People living in areas affected by conflict are more vulnerable to HIV. Reasons for this include:
  • Community disintegration.
  • Displacement of people.
  • Disruption of families. Children and young people may be separated from their parents.
  • Destruction of services including health and education. In addition, activities to prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS are more difficult in conflict situations. Measures that are needed to monitor the way in which HIV is spreading are often not in place.
  • Increase in sexual violence against women, including rape. Rape is used as a weapon of war and is particularly common in refugee camps.
  • Many women sell sex in order to survive in situations of conflict. People living in refugee camps may be particularly vulnerable to the spread of HIV. Social structures, norms and values may all be affected in camps. Armed forces may contribute to the spread of HIV. They may encourage local women to trade sex in exchange for protection. They may also buy sex and engage in casual sex in areas where they are based for prolonged periods.

Responses

Effective responses require training of armed forces and humanitarian staff in how to deal more constructively with children and young people and how to prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS. Responses are needed to address the issue of children and young people working as soldiers. Efforts to provide care for children should focus on reuniting families and rebuilding communities and not on establishing institutions.

Contact Details

Address: Plot 20 Bukoto Street Kamwokya- Kampala. P. O. Box 70556 Kampala- Uganda Email asod_­­uganda@yahoo.com Tel: +256 7852 029 671 / Office: +256 414 533 993

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