RE: BURUNDI                                                             
DAVID AASEN

In Burundi there is a Peace Accord but no cease-fire, this means that demobilization planning is stalled.

This gap is dangerous as recent rebel attacks in the capital, Bujumbura illustrate.

 Both the National Army and the Rebels use child soldiers.  They are the first ones sent in to dangerous areas-battle lines.

Women combatants are playing a prominent role on the rebel side.  This will make assimilation into future peacetime more difficult.

The common theme uniting these vulnerable groups is their lack of access to resources and marginalization.

 In the distribution of emergency assistance for example, the disabled have been cut off.

Despite this armed stand-off between rebels and the army, civil society groups (supported by USAID) have reached out to these vulnerable groups and organized programs to promote their equality in society.

For example the 'Search womens' center has organized cross-communal visits to women from affected areas.  They have also expanded their access throughout the country.

The International Human Rights Law Group has focused on promoting inheritance rights for women and children - which is increasingly important with the growing number of households led by women or children due to HIV/AIDS or combat deaths.

Another group is working with youth, including street gangs, promoting the ability of these groups to mediate conflict among themselves and thereby avert additional evidence.

These civil efforts are reinforced by access to credible, independent media.  "Studio Ijambo" Radio station is focusing on these activities.  Their broadcasts are increasingly valuable as the government tries to intimidate or suppress the media.

The use of public information will be essential in informing combatants, IPDs and refugees on the demobilization process.