Advocates Sarah Martin and Kavita Shukla will be conducting Refugees International’s fifth mission to northern Uganda since 2002. As a result of a brutal 20-year war between the Government of Uganda and the rebel Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA), almost 1.7 million people remain displaced in squalid camps and settlements without access to adequate basic services. Throughout the crisis, humanitarian agencies have had limited access to the internally displaced people living in camps in northern Uganda, and the population in the camps has experienced widespread human rights violations perpetrated by the LRA, Ugandan security forces, and fellow displaced people. These violations include sexual exploitation, rape, torture, and intimidation, as well as attacks and abductions by the LRA.

Since peace negotiations between the Government of Uganda and the LRA began in Juba, South Sudan, earlier this year, and a cessation of hostilities agreement was signed between the two parties in August, the LRA has ceased its attacks on civilians in northern Uganda. Reports indicate that the humanitarian and protection situation in northern Uganda has become better as a result of these improvements in security.

On this mission, Refugees International will examine the impact of the peace discussions between the Government of Uganda and the LRA on the situation on the ground, particularly to see if the peace process has led to increased services in the camps, improved physical security and reduced abuses. RI will assess the particular needs of the women of northern Uganda, including IDPs, former combatants, and girls, and the prevention and response to gender-based violence. As former child combatants continue to be rescued or leave the LRA, RI will determine what programs are in place to help all children affected by the armed conflict.

With the possibility of peace after 20 years of violence, RI will discuss the feasibility of return with the displaced people of Acholiland and examine any preparations for returns, including the vital issues of land rights and reintegration opportunities for former combatants. Additionally, we will look at the situation of returnees outside of Acholiland to determine how their needs are being met and identify any critical gaps.

Finally, RI will be focusing on the response of donors and the international community to the Juba negotiations and the proposed reconstruction in Northern Uganda.