Traditional Acholi mechanisms for reintegrating Ugandan child abductees
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Date
2014
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Anthropology Southern Africa,
Abstract
Using a mainly qualitative approach, this paper analyses the presence, significance and
efficacy of traditional mechanisms for the protection of children from conflicts and other
adverse situations. Contemporary child protection debates seem to put emphasis on the western
construction of childhood and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child as
instruments of child protection. Taking a traditional-modernistic approach this paper argues
that in many cases African communities practised and developed very strong and elaborate
mechanisms for the observance and preservation of the welfare of children. It examines some
of the enduring socio-cultural practices among the Acholi tribe in northern Uganda and their
implications for the rehabilitation, resettlement and reintegration of children affected by armed
conflict in the region. Findings suggest that there is strong potential for utilising traditional
systems and practices to address rehabilitation and reintegration dynamics among children
and young people, but complementary initiatives also need to be implemented to enhance the
efficacy and, in some cases, adaptability of these institutions.
Description
Keywords
Child protection, Children rights, Child soldiers, Traditional mechanisms
Citation
Eric Awich Ochen (2014) Traditional Acholi mechanisms for reintegrating Ugandan child abductees, Anthropology Southern Africa, 37:3-4, 239-251, DOI: 10.1080/23323256.2014.993809