Rep. Johnson's Peace Initiative for Northern Uganda Passes House

Press Release

Rep. Johnson's Peace Initiative for Northern Uganda Passes House

The U.S. House of Representatives today unanimously passed Congressman Hank Johnson's bipartisan measure which calls for an end to the "disgusting" 21 year conflict in Northern Uganda.

H.Con.Res.80, introduced by Georgia's 4th District Representative, sends a humanitarian appeal to the Government of Uganda and the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) to end Africa's longest running conflict. An identical bill was introduced by Senators Russ Feingold (D-WI) and Sam Brownback (R-KS).

Marking the occasion of his first legislative success, Congressman Johnson said, "The world shares the shame for this atrocious and long-forgotten situation. We call upon the Government and the LRA to seek a political solution in Northern Uganda and to recommit to on-going peace talks toward an end to the very tragic human suffering." During his remarks on the floor, Congressman Johnson thanked Reps. Diane Watson (D-CA) and Ileana Ros Lehtinen (R-FL) for their support.

According to the Congressman, the legislation sends an official appeal to stop the horrific abuse of children which forces their recruitment as "killing machines and sex slaves." The Refugee Law Project estimates that 20,000 Ugandan children have been abducted to serve in the LRA Army and have sometimes been required to kill their own parents to ensure they will not return. Captured girls are reportedly kept as "wives." The LRA, he explained, has reportedly one of the worst human rights records in the world.

"This is an abominable situation," said Congressman Johnson, "More than 1.6 million people have been displaced fleeing the violence. These are families with dreams and aspirations just like American families but who face intolerable violence through no fault of their own." Currently, displaced Ugandans are relegated to refugee camps where an estimated 1,000 victims die weekly due to the deplorable conditions.

The conflict in Northern Uganda has decimated the country for nearly two decades. A truce was reached last August, but the LRA broke off peace talks in January 2007. Peace talks have, however, resumed.

Yet, the President asserts that progress is being made. He was wrong five years ago when he claimed Saddam had weapons of mass destruction and links to al Qaeda; he was wrong when he landed on an aircraft carrier and declared victory; and he is wrong on this war supplemental."

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