SOS Emergency Relief Programme in Gulu, Uganda

Northern Uganda, debilitated by the impacts of continuing civil war, already has difficulty in coping with an estimated total of 200,000 orphans. But the children who need help most urgently are those who have recently regained their freedom from rebel groups. SOS Children's Villages has launched an aid programme for the weakest amongst the war victims. Read about the backgrounds of the children involved in this conflict, find out the details of our relief action and how you can help. Aid orientated towards the future The main focus at SOS Children's Villages is on providing help for children in need on a long-term basis. A fast response in emergency situations, as in the case of the Gulu aid project, needs to be reinforced by a continuous form of basic support in life in line with the needs of the affected children. That involves a combination of emotional healing and the provision of material necessities. Aid orientated towards the future Children in Uganda - The Flotsam of War The history of North Uganda over the past 15 years has been characterised by a dark conflict between the governments of the Sudan and Uganda and various rebel groups. One of these is the infamous Lord Resistance Army, one of whose war practices is the mass abduction of children to be used in the fighting. The children serve as soldiers, as shields, as load-bearers and as sex objects. Children in Uganda - The Flotsam of War Dutch journalist visits the SOS Emergency Relief Programme in Gulu The SOS Emergency Relief Programme in Gulu, northern Uganda, will soon be the subject of a Dutch magazine article, thanks to a recent visit by Dutch journalist, Edith Tulp (16/01/2003). Dutch journalist visits the SOS Emergency Relief Programme in Gulu Home Sweet Home - until darkness falls It's hard to imagine the level of fear that prompts a mother to turn her child out of her home every night. Yet this is exactly what happens in the area around Gulu town in northern Uganda - home to the notorious Lord's Resistance Army - as children head for the safety of the town (report dated 24 January 2003). Home Sweet Home - until darkness falls Taking the initiative in Uganda Over the last 17 years access to the orphaned and abandoned children of northern Uganda has been difficult. Now that the government has launched a new offensive against the rebels, those children may finally have a chance at life. SOS Children's Villages has taken the initiative and launched an emergency relief programme in Gulu. Taking the initiative in Uganda Increased rebel activity in northern Uganda puts children at risk With the upsurge in rebel activity in northern Uganda concern is growing that few children in the region are safe. The SOS Emergency Relief Project in Gulu, which includes a temporary children's village, is currently secure, although SOS Children's Villages is taking all reasonable precautions (July 2003). Increased rebel activity in northern Uganda puts children at risk