War-affected children in northern Uganda: No easy path to normality

Abstract

Armed conflict and war violate children’s rights. In northern Uganda, thousands of children have been forcefully abducted and recruited by an armed opposition group. Despite relative peace and stability since 2006, children suffer from the destruction of the social, economic, and educational infrastructure, and lack of protection of their fundamental rights. This article provides an overview of international legal frameworks pertaining to children in war and discusses the role of social work in the overall rehabilitation process in northern Uganda. Children’s rights are introduced as guiding principles and a key reference point for programming and practice.