Ninety Children Held Hostage in the Congo, UN Makes Appeal

September 24, 2008

Ninety children are being help hostage by Ugandan rebels in the north-east region of the Democratic Republican of Congo. In simultaneous attacks carried out by the LRA (Lord’s Resistance Army) last week, 40 children were abducted from a primary school and 50 from a secondary school. Three people died, and the village chief and three Italian missionaries were also taken.

The UN is demanding unconditional release of the children it believes the LRA will force into combat. The LRA has been fighting the Ugandan government for 20 years. The rebels won't agree to disarmament unless the ICC (International Criminal Court) drops war crime charges against its leader.

Imagine if a mass school abduction like this happened in Europe or America. I'm sure we would be hearing a lot more about it! I hope the kids make it out safe, and don't meet the fate of forced fighting that has burdened thousands of other children.

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8 Comments

liliblu 4 years 34 weeks

This is so sad. The most defenseless are always the most exploited.

girlA 4 years 34 weeks

I absolutely hate it when they involve children in order to get what they want--it's sick.

Jude C 4 years 34 weeks

This is awful.

harmonyfrance 4 years 34 weeks

WOW. This is horrible.

sunrise over sea 4 years 34 weeks

Your last paragraph is so sadly true. :(

Great Sommelier 4 years 34 weeks

It is despicable that there is this kind of evil in the world.

ilanac13 4 years 34 weeks

that's just insane! i really don't know what people seek to gain by taking children - governments aren't willing to play here - they want the kids back safe and sound - END OF DISCUSSION. i think that it takes a 'small person' to use this avenue i agree that i do think that if it were another country we would hear a lot more about it - and that stronger action would have been taken, but i can only pray that this doesn't escalate and that the kids are home soon.

Marni7 4 years 34 weeks

Imagine if a mass school abduction like this happened in Europe or America. I'm sure we would be hearing a lot more about it! Agreed Liberty! so sad this is :(

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