ROLES OF UNICEF IN ADVOCATING AND SECURING THE RELEASE OF CHILD SOLDIERS DURING LAURENT KABILA'S REGIME IN THE DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO (1997-2001)

Abstract

The purpose of this thesis is to analyze the roles of UNICEF in reintegrating children from armed forces in Democratic Republic of the Congo. This analysis focuses on the regime of Laurent Kabila from 1997 to 2001. In addition, this thesis provides the background story of the problem which is the first and second Congo war that happened at the same time as Laurent Kabila.s regime and the impacts of the conflict for the children. The involvement of UNICEF in the reintegration process in DR Congo was based on the UNICEF.s mission statement which stated that the UNICEF was mandated to advocate the protection of children.s rights, to help them meet their basic needs and expand the opportunities for them to reach their full potential. This thesis will explain the cooperation between UNICEF and its partners such as local government, Non-Governmental Organization, and other United Nations agency. The writer also elaborates the solutions of the problem which are the child reintegration programmes of UNICEF such as NIDs, Nutrition Centres, and Health Centres.