What could the DRC, Rwanda and Uganda governments do?
1.26. The DRC must be persuaded to coordinate with MONUC all efforts for protecting civilians, rescuing abducted persons, and obtaining the surrender of LRA and Hutu rebels. During military operations against the renegade forces, make the protection of civilians and rescue of abducted persons a priority. Deploy troops as necessary to protect civilian populations from rebel reprisal attacks. It is also imperative for the DRC to establish reception points near affected areas to make it easier for combatants to surrender or for escaping abductees to seek help by avoiding populated areas where aggrieved residents may attack them. We suggest that all captured or escaped children be handed over as soon as possible to appropriate authorities, such as UNICEF and appropriate local and international nongovernmental organisations tasked with reunifying children with their families and providing psychosocial support. Through the joint operation, the DRC and its allies must also be asked to hand ov
