# CE2004088EN.01003901.xml

| 8.4.2004 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | CE 88/39 |
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8.4.2004

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

CE 88/39

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(2004/C 88 E/0042)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1678/03

by José Ribeiro e Castro (UEN) to the Commission

(19 May 2003)

Subject:   Angola — ‘child soldiers’

Subject:

According to recent media reports, the Angolan Government will exempt any children who fought in the country's civil war from compulsory military service.

Human Rights Watch claimed a few days ago that the number of children concerned is likely to be around 11 000.

The World Bank has provided USD 30 million in support of projects for such ‘child soldiers’.

The Commission:

| — | does it have information on the probable or approximate number of children who served in the armies which fought in the Angolan civil war over the last few years; |
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does it have information on the probable or approximate number of children who served in the armies which fought in the Angolan civil war over the last few years;

| — | how does it view the current situation of children as regards demobilisation, family reunification and population settlement, and measures taken by Angolan institutions with international support; |
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how does it view the current situation of children as regards demobilisation, family reunification and population settlement, and measures taken by Angolan institutions with international support;

| — | has it already started to assess the specific case of the recovery, treatment and education of ‘child soldiers’ both in general and with regard to those who have been orphaned or handicapped; |
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has it already started to assess the specific case of the recovery, treatment and education of ‘child soldiers’ both in general and with regard to those who have been orphaned or handicapped;

| — | what action has it taken or does it intend to take in this regard? |
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what action has it taken or does it intend to take in this regard?

Answer given by Mr Nielson on behalf of the Commission

(11 July 2003)

(11 July 2003)

Child soldiers have been used on both sides during the conflict in Angola. While specific figures are not available, the estimates range between 6 000 (government figures) and 11 000 (Human Rights Watch).

The Commission considers that support to former child soldiers is one of many important post-conflict challenges that needs to be addressed. The government, with the support of the international community, must be more active in this matter, although some efforts are being made. Thus, in early March 2003 the Angolan Government, the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (Unicef) and civil society partners re-affirmed their policy framework for assisting former child soldiers and separated children at a round table on the challenges of ‘Child Rights Protection in the Process of Re-Integration’, organised by the Ministry of Assistance and Social Reinsertion.

Furthermore, one of the objectives of the Angolan Demobilisation and Re-Integration Programme (ADRP) is indeed to provide tailored assistance to special target groups such as child ex combatants and disabled ex-combatants. Approximately USD 31 million are foreseen for the support of these special target groups. The Commission participates in the ADRP through its contribution of EUR 20 million to the Multi-Donor Trust Fund within the framework of the Multi-country Demobilisation and Re-Integration Program (MDRP). The Commission is currently examining a further direct contribution to the ADRP.

On the whole the situation with regard to demobilisation, family re-unification and population settlement is progressing, albeit with some difficulties. Considerable and sustained effort by the government, supported by the international community is, however, necessary, to bring this process to a successful conclusion, which still seems to be quite some time away.

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