My project is concerned with the well-being of children and families affected by war, with a particular focus on children born of wartime rape. The research will help to develop effective policies and programs to assist war-affected children and families in Canada and abroad.
During the 21-year war (1986-2007) in northern Uganda, the abduction of children and the use of sexual violence occurred on a massive scale. It is estimated that the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) abducted between 60,000 to 80,000 children and that thousands of children were born as the result of wartime rape. By interviewing children born of wartime rape, their mothers, as well as former LRA commanders, Myriam Denov has provided unique insight into the psycho-social needs of these children, who often face profound forms of stigma and social exclusion based on their biological origins.
The findings of this project will provide NGOs, governments, the UN, and human rights advocates with evidence to protect and promote the rights of these children. In addition to providing policy guidelines for best practices for children born of war, Myriam Denov will use art and theatre to promote the post-war recovery needs of affected children, families, and communities.
