U.S. ASSISTANCE TO CHILDREN AFFECTED BY WAR

The United States is committed to ending the participation of children in military conflicts and has provided more support than any other country to war affected children in such places as Angola, Liberia, Uganda and Sierra Leone. The State Department, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and other U.S. agencies are involved in trying to stamp out the practice of forced recruitment and assist the youngest victims of war. In addition, the United States has provided funding and grants to UNICEF and other multilateral bodies as well as to non-governmental agencies to address the causes and disastrous consequences of children swept up in war. Since 1989, USAID has committed more than $30 million to programs that directly or indirectly assist child soldiers. Over the past two years, the U.S. State Department has contributed $15.5 million for special efforts on behalf of refugee children. Over 50% of those funds -- $9.9 million, were specifically earmarked to assist children affected by armed conflict under UNHCR's Children-at-Risk programs.

Many specific U.S. government programs have been designed to promote demobilization and reintegration of children into their communities. Examples include:

Columbia. The U.S. has established a scholarship fund for students 8 to 18 who would otherwise be likely recruits, either voluntarily or involuntarily, for guerilla groups. USAID, in collaboration with the International Committee for the Red Cross, has created a peace fund that addresses the needs of children in communities affected by armed conflict.

Liberia. Under the 'War Affected Youth Support' program, the U.S. provides over $3 million to support vocational training, reunification of children with their families and other social and counseling interventions. The program is designed, in part, to support the return of thousands of former child fighters to their communities. In addition, the U.S. has invested $2 million on other programs affecting child soldiers in Liberia in fiscal years 1994-1999.

Sierra Leone. The U.S. is launching a national campaign to provide basic literacy and other skills to children in the country as young as 12. An estimated 60,000 young people, beginning with ex-combatants and other war-affected youth, will participate in the effort. This is the kind of practical program intended to deter children from joining or rejoining military groups. USAID has spent over $500,000 in fiscal years 1994-99 on child soldiers in Sierra Leone.

Angola. Through the 'Displaced Children and Orphans Fund,' American government programs helped reintegrate nearly 300,000 war-affected children into their communities. To date, this project assisted in the demobilization and reintegration of 4,100 former soldiers and reunited 2,500 children with their families. More than $2 million has been invested in these programs to date. Globally the Displaced Children and Orphan fund will dispense %11 million in 2000.

Sri Lanka. Working in 106 villages across the nation, the United States supports programs targeted to community healing especially for children traumatized by the 16-year ethnic conflict. Over 6,000 children are being impacted. The U.S. spent approximately $250,000 during fiscal years 1994-99 in Sri Lanka on this issue.

Patrick J. Leahy War Victims Fund: The U.S. government will spend around $12 million this year on this program dedicated to improving the mobility, health and social integration of adults and children who have suffered physical disabilities as a result of war or civil strife. The Patrick J. Leahy War Victims Fund helps provide prosthetic assistance for victims who have lost limbs as a result of landmines or other war related injuries.