Children Released from Armed Groups: Reintegration
The reintegration of children released from armed forces and armed groups (CAAFAG) in the Democratic Republic of Congo is a humanitarian process combining medical and psychological care, family tracing, school return or vocational training, and reconciliation within their home communities. SAPI Switzerland carries out this work in the DRC in accordance with the Paris Principles.
What does CAAFAG mean?
The term CAAFAG refers to Children Associated with Armed Forces and Armed Groups (often called 'child soldiers'). It does not only apply to minors who bore arms: under the international definition of the Paris Principles, it encompasses any boy or girl under 18 recruited or used by an armed force or group as a fighter, scout, porter, cook, messenger, or subjected to sexual exploitation.
The release and reintegration pathway with SAPI
When a child leaves an armed group in Kasai, North Kivu, South Kivu or Ituri, returning to civilian life requires coordinated steps:
Transitional reception and medical care (EHMA): comprehensive health screening, treatment of injuries, malnutrition and infections upon release from the armed group.
Psychological healing (CARE-MH): individual and group counselling by trained specialists to overcome severe trauma, guilt, sleep disturbances and behavioural distress.
Identification, documentation, tracing and family reunification (IDTR): locating parents, preparing the family and mediating with community leaders to prevent stigmatisation or rejection upon return.
Educational and vocational reintegration (CARE-EDU & CARE-RESILIENCE): return to the classroom for younger children, or accredited vocational training (tailoring, carpentry, mechanics, agriculture) for adolescents to provide real economic alternatives and prevent re-recruitment.
Specialized attention for girls released from armed groups
Girls associated with armed groups often suffer a dual burden: the violence endured during captivity is compounded by social rejection upon return, especially when returning with a child. Our programmes provide confidential medical and psychosocial care alongside dedicated support for economic empowerment and educational return.
