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| Otunnu says there is genocide in north |
| FRANK NYAKAIRU |
| KAMPALA
ChildRENs rights activist Olara Otunnu has called on the UN to reprimand the government over what he describes as ongoing genocide in northern Uganda. The former United Nations Under-Secretary General and Foreign Minister in the Okello regime wants Uganda to comply with the measures contained in a UN resolution that demands countries to end atrocities against children. The genocide unfolding in northern Uganda is happening on our watch, and with our full knowledge. Why is there no action? Otunnu said on Friday. He was delivering the main address at the convocation of Lehman College, a New York university that honoured him with a Doctorate of Human Letters degree for his role as a leading supporter of the rights of children. He reminded his audience that the humanitarian and human rights catastrophe has been going on non-stop for 20 years. Otuunu in August resigned his post as UN Secretary-General Kofi Annans Special Representative for Children and Armed Conflict to crusade against human rights abuses in northern Uganda. The resolution includes a naming and shaming list of 54 offending parties, rebel groups as well as governments, which are cited for grave violations against children. The Uganda government is on the list. Otunnu said that the 20-year conflict in northern Uganda had led to massive atrocities, destruction, and infant mortality and produced an epidemic of HIV/Aids. But Defence and UPDF spokesman Lt Col. Shaban Bantariza dismissed Otunnus claims. Otunnu should graduate with his hypothetical degrees and leave the security for us, Bantariza said. Vincent Otti (LRAs second in command) killed 250 people in Atiak in 1995; is that happening today? Bantariza asked adding; What we actually have done is to stop genocide in Acholi. Since March this year there has not been any massacre or abduction. Uganda-CAN, an NGO working for peace in northern Uganda reported that LRA activities have visibly increased this month as UPDF steps up pressure on the group. It reported several rebel attacks on civilians, killings and the abduction of at least one boy and three girls. Unicef estimates that over 12,000 children have been abducted by the rebels overtime and are still in captivity. They are forced to fight for the LRA, made to work or used for sex. Up to three thousand more have become separated from their families while fleeing to safety and another 14,000 each night commute from their villages to Gulu town to escape abduction. |
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