§ Mrs. SpelmanTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development (1) what measures are being taken to re-educate and re-integrate former child soldiers in Sierra Leone; [133547]
(2) what provisions are being made for the demobilisation and reintegration of child soldiers involved in the recent conflict. [133549]
§ Hilary BennA total of 3,039 ex-combatant children are currently in education through a UNICEF community education investment programme. Other child protection agencies, such as CARITAS, have helped provide educational opportunities through the National Commission for Disarmament Demobilisation and Reintegration (NCDDR) supported Training and Employment Programme.
According to figures provided by UNICEF, 6,845 child soldiers were demobilised over a year ago. 4,894 have been reunited with their families. A further 2,151 non-combatant children have been reunited with their families, with the support of UNICEF.
§ Mrs. SpelmanTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development what recent assessment he has made of the security situation in Sierra Leone and its impact on the humanitarian situation. [133548]
§ Hilary BennAll areas of Sierra Leone are accessible. UNAMSIL is progressively withdrawing, and currently consists of 12,300 personnel. It is currently scheduled to withdraw completely by December next year. The Sierra Leone Government is undertaking a wide-ranging review of the security sector, which we are supporting. The review is intended to assist the Government to prepare for UNAMSIL's departure. The UK is providing extensive support to reform and strengthening of the security sector, as part of this preparation.
There is no security restriction on humanitarian activity. There is a general shift in emphasis, by the Government of Sierra Leone and by international agencies, from relief to development activities.