02/24/2003

Despite United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolutions and international protocols prohibiting the recruitment and use of child soldiers, there has been too little progress in eliminating this form of child abuse in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

RI was in North Kivu and Province Orientale in the DRC in February, where children armed by the different groups dotted cities and towns. RI spoke with one child who was not interested in going back into the army. "I am afraid of being re-recruited," said Bruno, who voluntarily enlisted when he was 14.