Human Rights Abuse and Deprivation of Childhood: A Case of Girl Mothers in Northern Uganda

Abstract

There is widespread consensus on the critical importance of addressing protection and promotion of the rights of the girl child. However, girls still bear the worst human rights abuses during armed conflict and after. This study assessed the nature of sexual violence, and its effects on and the coping mechanisms of girl mothers. Empowerment theory was used to provide a theoretical framework to inform the study. During July 2007, three focus group discussions were conducted with girls aged 15–17 years who had children born in captivity in Gulu District, Northern Uganda. Twenty key informant interviews were conducted with practitioners and opinion leaders. In addition, data were collected on the girls’ experiences, specifically abuse during and upon return from captivity. During captivity the girls experienced early, usually forced marriage (whereby they were attached to the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) commanders as wives), rape, unwanted pregnancies and sexual slavery. Due to loss of their bush husbands and little support from their parents, the girls had to take on adult roles to ensure their survival and that of their children. Consequently, the girl mothers found themselves in positions of vulnerability and risk, instead of enjoying their childhood. The study concluded that girl mothers experienced a high level of human rights violations during captivity and upon return to the community, which, consequently, deprived them of their childhood. They are typically urged to resume traditional gender roles, as well as returning to traditional societal structures and patriarchal practices. The study highlights the urgent need for social work intervention in the protection of the girl mothers. This can be achieved through comprehensive strategies that can empower them to lead better lives.