RANDOLPH HARRIS

Panelist - Psychosocial Issues

Introduction

Personal experience of a road accident and pest traumatic shock disorder and compared to the experience of armed combatant and child soldiers

Experience of a formerly abducted child/child soldiers in the allied Democratic Front rebel group in western.

Uganda: Psychological trauma caused by insensitive actions of family and community members.

Psychosocial support programs for war affected children in Uganda

Definition: Psychosocial refers to the interactions between the individual and their family community

Implementing partners:Local and international NGOs.  These are local initiatives by parents and other concerned groups, largely led by women.

Sharing experiences:  There has been continuous earning and sharing of best practices between the psychosocial practitioners since 1996 - 1997 for example the roles and limitations of center - based and community - based programs, leading to a more coherent and integrated approach.

Knowledge of local conditions is important:  Communities and traditions differ among different ethnic/cultural groups and in different parts of the country.

Common Themes

1.     Partnership and focus on local NGO/Community capacity building

2.     The importance of community based support and referral services to ensure sustainability

3.     Child protection from abuse and re-abduction is essential

4.     Education and vocational training

5.     In case generating opportunities

6.     The critical focus on formerly abducted children has been broadened, first to war affected children and most recently, war affected families and communities.

7.     More attention is needed on HIV/AIDS and reproductive health; ex-combatants and formerly abducted children can become agents of HIV/AIDS awareness.

8.     The role of local governments, religious and traditional leaders in the reintegration and reconciliation process are crucial.

Important messages from the group discussion

1.     The ex- combatant must take responsibility for her/himself and not be treated as an object.

2.     Reintegration takes place in community; the community must be involved in planning implementation and evaluation