UN hails release of all child soldiers by Nepal's Maoists

(Feb.09,2010): The final batch of the nearly 3,000 child soldiers, who served in the Maoist army during Nepal's decade-long civil war have been discharged and re-entered civilian life. This move was hailed by United Nations officials as a milestone in the country's peace process. The 268 individuals released on Monday during a ceremony in Rolpa, included those who had joined the Maoist army as minors, and as late recruits, and had remained in temporary camps for three years, after the signing of the peace deal that ended the conflict.
“The release of these young people is not only symbolic for the country, but a milestone for these young men and women, who spent their formative years inside a military structure, losing out on critical skills vital for adulthood,” said Gillian Mellsop, Country Representative for the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF). “The period of your life dedicated to armed struggle is now in the past. You have a role in helping make Nepal a country that is just, equitable, democratic and peaceful,” she told the young people at Monday’s ceremony. “All those concerned must now act swiftly to ensure that they reintegrate successfully,” she added.