(The UN mision to Cambodia was pretty famous for bringing and spreading STDs.)
The world needs to address the growing abuse of children, especially girls,
as part of war, says the former commander of the UN mission in Rwanda.
At a presentation on "The Impact of Conflicts on Girls" at the University
of Ottawa yesterday, retired Lt.-Gen. Romeo Dallaire said Canada and the
international community must do more to protect children, particularly
girls, in times of conflict and help those who have been abused.
"The indignation of the international community is still low at the abuse
of children. We go nuts at people using nuclear weapons, but the fact that
people are killing kids and abusing girls is not a reason that humanity
would mobilize."
Sex slaves
Dallaire said there is a new dimension of war, where children are used as
instruments. They are trained as fighters, sex slaves, supporters of combat
and shields of protection.
Dallaire said he's haunted by scenes of girls and young women being raped,
abused and mutilated.
He said the survivors are traumatized to such an extent that only
long-term, sophisticated help can give them a chance to regain self-respect.
Dallaire said he believes education is the best way to stop the abuse.
"We must reconstruct a system adapted to the country's problems and
experience. We must let the people speak out."
Dallaire said he hopes to develop activism among Canadians.
"I want the youth and the educated to advance physically and morally the
cause of human rights. Canadians believe in human rights and we're in a
position to make a difference, so let's do it
http://www.canoe.ca/OttawaNews/11n2.html
