Exploring International Relations and Peace as a key strategy in situation of armed conflicts globally- Uganda as a case study

People World over are waiting to hear when guns shall be silent. There are threats of wars bombings. Advocates of peace are focusing on how to stop them. Although wars are inevitable can be avoided, because they have... [ view full abstract ]

People World over are waiting to hear when guns shall be silent. There are threats of wars bombings. Advocates of peace are focusing on how to stop them. Although wars are inevitable can be avoided, because they have far-reaching consequences, parents witness children killed in crossfire, raped, abducted not to return. Africa is the youngest continent but leading in conflicts having majority internally displaced and refugees.

Children in Africa haven't experienced peace they deserve. They suffer psychologically because the media sends horrifying messages causing state of hopelessness. The objective of this research is to identify causes, impacts, and method of intervention by improving international co-operation, security in protecting children. Engaging countries in implementation of conventions, treaties and policies. To investigate whether the vulnerability of children exposed to conflicts differ from those in uninterrupted environment.

Interviews with victims coming from DRC, Sudanese living in Arua, results show conflicts have negative effects bringing uncertainty and despair. Children have bitterness of being exposed to traumatic experiences and nightmares.

A survey conducted by international Save the Children Alliance (1996) in Rwanda about genocide indicate some children blame themselves for surviving. They feel it would have been better to have been killed with their parents.

Overall results reveal, the social, psychological effects by one generation in many years affects the next generation. It shows wars are on the increase because governments spend more on weapons than on social services. Wars could be avoided if there is justice, love, tolerance. Mr. Lwanga said, “It seems that people who cause wars act first and think later.”

Recommendations, way-forward for future research and policy-makers are also provided.