Liberia: UN worried by reports civilians forced to work in local farms for rebels

The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) today said it was worried about reports that civilians are being forced to work in local farms in Gbarnga, Liberia, 150 kilometres north of the capital Monrovia, for rebel groups.

Civilians are reportedly dying of hunger, while others face food shortages and grave violations of human rights in this area, according to OCHA. There were also reports of civilians being forced to work in the port city of Buchanan, 120 kilometres southeast of the capital.

Meanwhile in Monrovia, the UN’s Special Humanitarian Coordinator for Liberia, Ross Mountain, praised a call on all parties to pay special attention to gender issues and the protection of children – including an immediate end to use of child soldiers – in the recently adopted Security Council resolution establishing the UN Mission in Liberia (UNMIL), a 15,000-strong stabilization force to begin on 1 October.

"While estimates of the number of child soldiers vary greatly, possibly numbering as many as 15,000, what is clear is that these young boys and girls are a priority target group for the humanitarian community, and a key element in long-term success of the overall peace process," Mr. Mountain said.

Last week, the Council established UNMIL, including the creation of a stabilization force of up to 15,000 peacekeepers and almost 1,000 civilian police, for a period of 12 months, effective on 1 October.

Mr. Mountain said all UN agencies, particularly the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) and their implementing partners across Liberia, have a vital role to play.

"Many of these children have never been to school before. Many are severely traumatized by the horrors of war, they have themselves been subjected to abuse, and have virtually no means with which to support themselves outside their existing 'rebel' structures," he said. "A concerted effort must be made to both reintegrate and equip these children with the necessary skills that will enable them to rebuild their lives."