The Violation Of Child Rights And The Status Of Children In Displacement Camps Of Northern Uganda A Case Study Of Pabbo Camp Gulu District

ABSTRACT

The research carried out on “The violation of child rights and the status of children in

displacement camps of Northern Uganda” was aimed at establishing human right violations

committed against children in the Pabbo camp in Gulu. The focus of the research also analyzed

the socio-economic needs of children in IDP camps of Pabbo, Gulu district. The investigation

was also based on the metrics relevant to the rights of children and the effective mechanisms

required safeguarding their educational and fundamental human rights. The theories relating

child rights violations including the Malthusian theories provide the basis for analyzing the

literature review. The theoretical framework establishes the specific displacement and refugee

challenges affecting children in Pabbo Camp. The long-term effects of armed conflict on child

survival as well as human rights issues establish the hindrances that result from various

violations explored in the camp.

The method that was used to carry out the research was based on exploratory approach and this

involved using descriptive survey as an ideal method of getting relevant information that pertains

the rights of children in Pabbo Camp. The sampled size was rationed to 60 households which

included families and the leaders of Pabbo. The sampling was by randomized means and this was

aided by differences in the respondents’ classes. The instruments used in the research varied

according to both the respondents’ age and level of education, The questionnaires were used to

get information from an informed class of respondents while oral interviews focused on both the

children and the uneducated households. The data was analyzed by using relevant coding

procedures. The data was analyzed using the standard XL program where evaluations,

comparisons and descriptions were made.

The findings of the study showed that child rights violations exist in Pabbo Camp. It also found

out that the perpetrators of child rights violations have not been effectively punished or otherwise disciplined in accordance with the laws of Uganda. It is therefore recommended that the government should enact policies and laws which will provide the necessary mechanisms for safeguarding the rights of children. Conclusively, child rights violations could be reduced if all parties involved work with respective communities in Pabbo and elsewhere.