Japan Approves Funding for Project in Sierra Leone

November 29, 2000

On 14 November 2000, the Government of Japan approved the allocation of U.S.$306,094 from its contribution to the United Nations Trust Fund for Sierra Leone in order to support reintegration/rehabilitation projects for ex-combatants, former child soldiers and war-affected women and children, to be carried out by the United Nations Mission in Sierra Leone (UNAMSIL). Through such projects, this funding is expected to promote reintegration of ex-combatants, former child soldiers and war-affected women and children, as well as further development of the peace process in Sierra Leone.

The projects are as follows:

Construction of four new police stations, and repair of an additional police station and a police training school. The work will be done by ex-combatants, who will acquire skills that will make them self-reliant and facilitate their reintegration into society. (U.S.$110,740)
Social reintegration/rehabilitation of women and girls affected by the war. The project will provide assistance to two local communities in making available special services for women and girl victims of conflict-related violence. Medical and counseling services, as well as vocational training apprenticeships and scholarships, will be offered. (U.S.$160,460)
Centre for training former abducted girls. Training will be provided for teenage girls who were abducted by the fighting forces, and who have been reunited with their families or are in alternative care. Basic training will be provided to some thirty children over a one-year period. (U.S. $12,430)
Reintegration of child ex-combatants in Kenema. The project will provide family support services to women's groups caring for child ex-combatants, either as natural parents or foster parents, by providing revolving funds, training in income-generating activities, and rehabilitating community facilities such as schools and community centres. (U.S.$22,464)

The Government of Japan has taken initiatives in the field of reintegration of former child soldiers and war-affected women and children, including co-hosting the "International Symposium/Workshop on Children and Armed Conflict - Reintegration of Former Child Soldiers in the Post-Conflict Community" held in Tokyo on 19-21 November 2000.

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