Sir, - Your report headed "UNICEF condemned over camps for boy soldiers" (The Irish Times, April 24th) very nearly misses the point. UNICEF airlifted 3,400 children out of conflict zones in southern Sudan to save their lives and give them opportunities they would never have enjoyed as fighters. But that airlift, just eight weeks ago, was only the start of a complex process that will attempt to address years of abuse and trauma and eventually restore children to their families.
We admit the process has been challenging. Providing a roof and a full day of activities for all these children has not been easy, but in no way have our shortcomings been for lack of effort, commitment, or responsible stewardship. We are working in an area where local community structures are weak, where supplies are few, and where air shipments are required for every box of food and equipment. Not least, we are working with children whose lives and habits have been conditioned by harsh treatment and a violent environment. Helping them to overcome their trauma and to adjust to school, vocation and family is a process that is only just beginning. Ninety-two per cent of the children have been confirmed as having actually been child soldiers.
Where our plans were overwhelmed or our partners inadequate to the job, we have made changes and improvements. Before a single child arrived we had five camps ready with sanitary facilities and running water; in short order we will have eight. In the meantime, schooling has begun for two hours a day, every child has been seen by health workers, and several who were found to be seriously ill have been treated and are improving. Though food has at some points been tight, not a single child has gone hungry in our care.
Considerable resources have been devoted to improving the supply chain and increasing food stores. In the army these youngsters ate once a day and had to forage for themselves and older soldiers. Many are now eating three times a day, and before long all will. We regret our shortcomings, but we don't doubt our capacity for success.
Some in the humanitarian community here questioned UNICEF's approach to this rescue effort, especially our timing. That's fair enough. We've now talked these concerns through and we are moving ahead together. Even in unity, our task will be daunting - these children have had so much taken from them already. They will need time, strength, and lots of support to recover from the scars of war and move on in life. The years UNICEF devoted to securing their release may indeed have been the easy part.
By the way, the limited press coverage we have allowed has been for a reason. Funding for the months ahead is not secure - public awareness and support is crucial to our long-term efforts to restore these children to family and community. - Yours etc.,
Dr Sharad Sapra, Chief of Operations, UNICEF, Southern Sudan.