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The government of Rwanda must do more to help children and young people who are still suffering the "devastating consequences" of the 1994 genocide, Human Rights Watch (HRW) said on Thursday.
In an 80-page report, "Lasting Wounds: Consequences of Genocide and War for Rwanda's Children", HRW documents widespread abuse and exploitation of children since the genocide.
The report said that some families which opened their homes to needy children after the genocide had not always respected foster children's rights because of their own impoverished situation.
It said some children were exploited as domestic servants in exchange for food and a place to sleep. Thousands fled to city streets, only to find themselves harassed and arrested by law enforcement officials.
"The Rwandan government has repeatedly promised to remedy the human rights problems that many children still suffer, but words are not enough," said Sara Rakita, the author of the report. "These children have already suffered terribly, and they need protection from further abuse."
For the full report go to: http://hrw.org/reports/2003/rwanda0403/
This article was produced by IRIN News while it was part of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. Please send queries on copyright or liability to the UN. For more information: https://shop.un.org/rights-permissions
