IX. CONCLUSION

For the government, they speak of a good social life for everyone, maybe if they could conform theory to practice it would be a very good life indeed.

-Carlos B., former UNITA child soldier, December 3, 2002.

The gradual and piecemeal approach to macroeconomic stabilization and reform that was being followed [by the government] was not sufficient and would do little to help the nearly 70 percent of Angolans living in poverty.⁹³

-IMF Staff Report, March 18, 2002.

Boys and girls in Angola fought in the civil war that ravaged the country for decades; yet to date, they have received no formal assistance in demobilization programs. Existing programs for adults discriminate against children who performed these same duties and are in violation of the government's obligation to provide for their recovery and rehabilitation. Current plans for community and family rehabilitation are unlikely to meet the needs of former child soldiers and they risk being forgotten, especially girls. The government must provide for these children through a demobilization program with assistance from the international community. Such programs must be tailored to help specifically reintegrate former child combatants into the community while not creating stigmatization or inequalities with other war-affected children. Priority must be given by the government to investments in social services, fulfilling their obligations under international treaties and ensuring the success of these programs.

⁹³ International Monetary Fund, Angola: Staff Report for the Article IV Consultation, March 18, 2002, p. 14, (copy on file at Human Rights Watch).