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| Archives Speeches and Writings for 1999 A CALL FOR AN END TO THE ARMED CONFLICT IN SIERRA LEONE AND FOR STEPS TO BE TAKEN TO BRING LASTING PEACE The following is an appeal from a number of African women, gathered in Addis Ababa from 26 – 28 January to prepare a meeting to review implementation of the African Platform for Action. The appeal is from these women in their individual capacity and is directed to all African leaders, parties to the conflict, the international community, women and men concerned about peace for Africa, the media and all others who may be able to influence the peace process in Sierra Leone. We, African women gathered in Addis Ababa, representing a cross-section of African society, including government, civil society, non-governmental and inter-governmental organizations, wish to express our outrage and sadness at the on-going tragedy in Sierra Leone. We believe that the crisis in Sierra Leone is of such magnitude and the brutality is of such proportions, that it requires the condemnation and intervention of all peace-loving people. The pictures carried on our televisions and the information in the print media show clearly that this conflict has seen the worst atrocities on innocent civilians, including the killing of unarmed non-combatants, the mutilation of women, children and men, the rape and sexual torture of women and girls, the destruction of property and livelihoods and the almost-total disintegration of Sierra Leonean society. In addition, we understand that many people are on the brink of starvation, due to the threat to life for many civilians who attempt to forage for basic essentials such as water and food and the many obstacles placed in the way of the humanitarian community’s efforts to gain access to the affected populations. We are gravely concerned about this situation and we consider it to be a gross violation of fundamental human rights and of international humanitarian law. This, we feel strongly, calls for the full attention of and concerted action by the international community. We would like to join the calls of women’s peace groups, particularly those from the OAU/ECA African Women’s Peace Committee and the Federation of African Women’s Peace Networks, the human rights community, religious leaders and others for a strong condemnation of the brutal atrocities and specific and immediate steps to bring an end to this armed conflict and to restore the sanity to the lives of the Sierra Leonean people. A CALL FOR PEACE First, we call for a cessation of all hostilities and an acceleration of all peace efforts. Second, we demand an end to the targeting of women for rape and sexual violence. We also urge that Sierra Leonean women, who were critical in ensuring the previous transition from a military junta to a civilian government, be fully involved in any on-going and future peace negotiations. We believe that this is a question of justice and one which will help to bring lasting peace to the suffering people of Sierra Leone. Third, we condemn the abduction and use of children as armed combatants. The use of children is a strong factor in the perpetuation of violence and in the disintegration of societal norms and traditions. This is in violation of both the African and international conventions on the rights of children and a scourge for our future. Fourth, but perhaps most urgent, we urge all parties to the conflict to agree to the establishment of and to respect ‘corridors of peace and tranquility’, which would allow national and international humanitarian organizations to provide urgently-needed life-sustaining materials. Our concern and grief is heightened by the fact that, in a very short while, Africa and the rest of the world will be moving into the 21st Century. Only a short while ago, African people were speaking and dreaming of an African renaissance, with peace, freedom from poverty and new possibilities for our lives. Unless we act now, the crisis in Sierra Leone and many others across Africa will extinguish our vision before it can become a reality. We urge you to take action now. 28 January 1999 Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Thank you.
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