Search

Ritualistic child sexual abuse (RCSA) is an under-recognized and poorly addressed form of child maltreatment. Despite a relative decrease of war-related sexual violence in post-conflict Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the existing monitoring reports leave no doubt that RCSA remains a public health problem of high significance. While RCSA requires urgent action, little has been done to address it. This article critically examines RCSA as a predatory form of child maltreatment and the lack of relevant child welfare interventions to address it. Based on a broader empirical study of ‘RCSA in post-conflict Eastern DRC’, the article argues that although RCSA is not socially condoned by the communities, the interventions on the ground are inadequate for addressing this phenomenon. The article also suggests some perspectives for addressing the phenomenon, in addition to some reflections on child welfare policy and programming as well as implications for social work training and practice.

Ritualistic child sexual abuse (RCSA) is a critical and under-recognised form of child maltreatment prevailing in developing countries. In the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), children from specific communities suffer complex forms of RCSA perpetrated with extreme brutality by various individuals and groups of conspirators. Although the DRC has achieved significant milestones towards combatting war-related sexual abuse of women and children, disturbing forms of RCSA, notably child kidnapping, rape, child defilement for fetish and superstitious beliefs, child sexual exploitation, and cult-based child marriage persist and affect many victims. This study examines the factors associated with the resurgence of RCSA in post-conflict eastern DRC. The article also discusses the implications of such forms of abuse for social work practice and education in a post-war context.

Armed conflict and war violate children’s rights. In northern Uganda, thousands of children have been forcefully abducted and recruited by an armed opposition group. Despite relative peace and stability since 2006, children suffer from the destruction of the social, economic, and educational infrastructure, and lack of protection of their fundamental rights. This article provides an overview of international legal frameworks pertaining to children in war and discusses the role of social work in the overall rehabilitation process in northern Uganda. Children’s rights are introduced as guiding principles and a key reference point for programming and practice.

The way individuals perceive their risk to certain threats influences their adoption of preventive behaviour. This study explored sex workers perception of risk of HIV infection within the context of other serious threats. The study was carried out in Kampala Uganda using peer ethnography. Sex workers were well aware of their risk of HIV infection but this risk was eclipsed by other more immediate and frightening threats. Sex workers willingness to gamble with HIV is explained by the fact that their existence is already very dangerous and taking risks is an inherent part of their trade. Decriminalising sex work could make their lives somewhat safer motivating them to better protect themselves but this is unlikely to happen in Uganda. Attempting to enforce some coercive control mechanisms would not work given the pervasive corruption in law enforcement and the judiciary the institutions that would be responsible for implementing such control.