United Nations appalled by brutality against civilians in Northern Uganda

(KAMPALA, 23 February 2004) - It is with profound sadness that the United Nations system learnt of the tragedy in Lira. The United Nations condemn the brutal attack on Saturday against the Barlonyo camp for displaced people in Ogur County, Lira district, Northern Uganda, which killed at least 190 persons, and injured several others. This attack by the "Lord's Resistance Army", is the second in two weeks to take place in the area.
"The main victims of these ruthless attacks are defenceless civilians, women and children," said the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, Daouda Toure. "Over the past few years, thousands of lives have been lost senselessly while over 1.4 million people have lost their homes and their livelihoods. These atrocities have to come to an end." We all know that security is the key element for internally displaced people.

The UN is on standby to bring assistance to the survivors as soon as safe passage to the area is guaranteed. The United Nations World Food Programme is ready to deliver food to assist the survivors, while the Uganda Red Cross Society and non-Governmental organizations are prepared to provide shelter. The 4,800 people who were in the camp at the time of the attack are being relocated to Lira town and other locations in the area. Other UN agencies and NGOs are working with the District Disaster Management Committee in Lira to assess the needs.

The conflict in Northern and Eastern Uganda has had a devastating impact on that region of the country. About 75 percent of the population i.e. an estimated 1.4 million people have been displaced of whom an estimated 30,000 children have been abducted since the mid 1990s. Fear of abduction and attacks prevent most people in the camps from cultivating the land. Economic activities have largely come to a halt and most displaced persons depend on aid for their survival. But the provision of aid poses several challenges, among which are access to victims and their security in places of residence.

The United Nations in Uganda appeal to all, national and international actors, who have the capacity to stop this terrible cycle of violence to do their utmost to protect innocent civilians.

For further information, please call: Stephanie Bunker, OCHA NY, 917 367 5126, mobile 917 892 1679; Elizabeth Byrs, OCHA Geneva, 41 22 917 2653, mobile 41(0) 79 472 4570.