EASF Concludes Course on Children and Armed Conflict Course

Brigadier General Stephen Kashure, Joint Chief of Staff of the EASF, emphasized the critical role of the force in protecting children in conflict zones. "Children are being forcefully recruited and participate in armed conflict," he stated, highlighting the necessity of addressing their urgent needs and supporting the reintegration of child soldiers into civilian life. 

Ms. Allen Ruhangataremwa, representing the EASF Head of Civilian Component, stressed the course's importance in assisting children impacted by armed conflict. She called for increased attention to their rights and noted that participants were equipped with essential tools to address child protection issues. These included recognizing developmental milestones, applying international legal frameworks, and implementing preventive and responsive measures. 

Participants hailed from ten EASF member states: Burundi, Comoros, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Seychelles, Somalia, Sudan, and Uganda. The course represents a significant step forward in enhancing regional capacities to protect vulnerable children in conflict situations.