UNICEF cautiously optimistic following children’s release

UNICEF Executive Director, Carol Bellamy, expressed cautious optimism yesterday (Thursday) over the consistent and apparently growing numbers of children who have been released by rebel forces to the agency. “Last week, there were two releases of 31 and 20 abducted children, including a one-month old baby and the baby’s mother,” Bellamy said in a statement. “Just last month, 34 children were released through the auspices of ECOMOG.” Bellamy also expressed hope that a “changed environment” might lead to increased access by humanitarian agencies to areas of the country which are currently closed. “Increasing confidence creates the stage for more direct access to women and children caught behind frontlines,” she said. Some 92 children have so far been returned this year through a network developed and supported by UNICEF, the statement said. UNICEF has continued to operate where possible, distributing vaccines, basic medical supplies and has participated in interim-care programmes for dislocated children and those released by the rebel forces, the statement said. The agency is developing programmes to provide emergency schooling for IDPs and other vulnerable children, as well as psychological support for teachers and pupils. Bellamy added that special emphasis will be place on counselling girls who have been raped and on social reintegration of children associated with the fighting forces. During much of the conflict in Sierra Leone there has been an almost total disregard of international conventions