HL Deb 12 June 2000 vol 613 cc188-9WA
Lord Avebury

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether, in consideration of any agreement to supply training or weapons to the Sierra Leone armed forces, they will require those forces not to employ any persons under 18 years of age; and whether they will take steps to recover weapons previously supplied now in the hands of child soldiers. [HL2644]

Baroness Scotland of Asthal

In proceeding with our programme to help create new, democratically accountable Sierra Leone Armed Forces, we sought and secured in March 1999 an assurance from President Kabbah that children would not be used by the Sierra Leone Armed Forces or the Civil Defence Forces.

We have raised with President Kabbah recent reports of the use and supply of weapons to child soldiers by forces loyal to the Government of Sierra Leone.

President Kabbah has reaffirmed his commitment to these assurances. The Government of Sierra Leone has issued an order for all those under the age of 18 fighting on its sides to be immediately withdrawn from military service, demobilised and reintegrated into civilian life.

We will continue to monitor the situation carefully.