afrol News, 19 November - Failure by government to put in place comprehensive reparations programme in Northern Uganda has left thousands of victims of 20 year conflict destitute and physically and mentally traumatised, Amnesty International has said.

Amnesty International comprehensive report on situation of victims of Ugandan civil war, said victims continue to bear painful scars of violation.

Amnesty International's Uganda specialist Godfrey Odongo said thousands of Ugandans still bear physical and mental scars of abuses they suffered in the hands of Lord Resistance Army, country's main militant group.

"They are unable to go forward with their lives. They desperately need government assistance to help them come to terms with the ordeals they survived and rebuild their lives assistance that sadly has not been forthcoming," he said.

The reports which highlights brutal killings and violence of young men and women including boys and girls, said government has failed to offer medical support to survivors, saying counselling and psycho-social support is also essential for their integration into communities.

Ugandan government unveiled a three year Peace, Recovery and Development Plan (PRDP) in 2007 to compensate victims of the brutal conflict. However Amnesty International said plan does not specifically address reparation needs of the victims of conflict.

"The agreements signed between the government and the LRA under the peace process attempt to lay a framework for reparations, but fall far short of a comprehensive reparations programme and contain significant flaws including a lack of provision for consultation with victims. It also remains unclear if and when the government will implement these agreements," he said.

He said Uganda needs an effective programme that is victim-focused to address need of survivors.

"Survivors need medical attention, counselling and psychological support. Formerly abducted children need access to education. Families need compensation for the deaths and injuries that occurred, restitution for their destroyed land and property, an apology for the violations and proper reburials for their loved ones. The government needs to start acting on these needs now," said Godfrey Odongo.

Uganda main militant group, LRA has led a rebellion for more than 20 years which displaced some over a million people in northern Uganda.

By staff writer

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