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| Afghanistan/South Asia |
| IWPR: 1st Hand reporting of UNICEF work in Afghanistan |
| 2004-05-24 |
| Posted by:Super Hose |
| #1 Here's a sample: Since the programme started in Konduz on February 10, hundreds of young people have come forward claiming to have been child soldiers. But only a portion of them actually qualify for the programme. It appears that some militia leaders have encouraged youths and regular soldiers to apply for the programme because they âthought that they might receive some incentives for handing over the soldiers and young peopleâ, a UNICEF official in Mazar-e-Sharif told IWPR. Of 500 youths who have applied in Kunduz, about 150 were determined to be eligible. The others were found to have had no combat experience, UNICEF officials said. Those that do qualify first undergo a complete medical checkup, which includes screening for drug addiction and HIV, provided by the International Medical Corp under contract with the UN. After vowing not to join the military again, they are given an identity card and become eligible for continuing education programmes or vocational training in areas such as metal working or tailoring. |
| Posted by: Super Hose 2004-05-24 9:58:41 PM |