Title: Growing concern for displaced children in Goma during the end-of-year holidays
Introduction :
The situation of displaced children during this end-of-year holiday season in the city of Goma is of great concern. While many children celebrate these moments with family, with hearty meals and gifts, some children displaced by war, unaccompanied or separated, as well as children released from armed groups, find themselves on the streets of Goma, without any assistance or protection. This situation, deplored by Domitille Risimbuka, head of the Social Affairs division of North Kivu, underlines the importance of providing help and special attention to these children during this period of celebration and solidarity.
A growing number of displaced and abandoned children:
According to Domitille Risimbuka, the number of children displaced by war, unaccompanied, separated and separated from armed groups is increasing alarmingly in the streets of Goma. These children, forced to beg to survive, live in precarious conditions, without access to shelter, education or adequate health care. The head of the Social Affairs division expresses her concern about this worrying situation, highlighting the lack of support and care for these vulnerable children.
The uncertain future of children leaving armed groups:
A specific group of children that particularly worries Domitille Risimbuka is that of children who have left armed groups. These young people, idle and often trained in weapons, find themselves left to their own devices, without any support or future prospects. The head of the Social Affairs division expresses her fear about this situation, describing it as a “time bomb”. It is becoming urgent to find solutions to reintegrate these children into society and offer them opportunities to rebuild their lives.
Appeal to the authorities and the international community:
Faced with this alarming situation, Domitille Risimbuka calls on local authorities and the international community to act quickly to restore peace and stability in the region. It is crucial to provide urgent assistance to displaced children and to establish reintegration programs for children separated from armed groups. The head of the Social Affairs division also underlines the importance of increased awareness and mobilization of all to guarantee the protection of children’s rights and put an end to their exploitation and abandonment.
Conclusion :
The situation of children displaced in Goma during the end-of-year holidays is alarming. While most children celebrate in the joy and warmth of their families, many children find themselves on the streets, without any assistance or protection. It is crucial to respond to this problem by offering immediate assistance to displaced children and by putting in place lasting measures to reintegrate children who have left armed groups. The authorities and the international community must act in concert to guarantee the safety and well-being of these vulnerable children, and offer them a better future.