8. Mai 2013

Aktuelle Lage

Das US-Außenministerium (US Department of State, USDOS) schreibt in seinem Länderbericht zur Menschenrechtslage vom April 2013 (Berichtszeitraum 2012), dass weiterhin von der Rekrutierung von Kindern in zahlreiche Clan- und andere Milizen berichtet worden sei. Die al-Shabaab habe weiterhin Kindersoldaten eingesetzt. Laut Angaben von Human Rights Watch (HRW) seien Kinder in Ausbildungslagern der al-Shabaab von grausamer körperlicher Ausbildung, unangemessener Ernährung, Waffenausbildung, körperlicher Bestrafung und religiöser Ausbildung betroffen. Kinder hätten der Bestrafung und Hinrichtung anderer Kinder beiwohnen müssen. Al-Shabaab habe die Kinder im Kampf eingesetzt, darunter als menschliche Schilde und Selbstmordattentäter. Zudem habe die al-Shabaab Kinder für unterstützende Aufgaben wie Transport von Munition, Wasser und Nahrungsmittel und weitere Aufgaben eingesetzt. Laut Angaben der Vereinten Nationen habe die al-Shabaab Kinder, die acht Jahre alt waren, in Schulen und Madrassas rekrutiert. Die somalische Presse habe oftmals über Zwangsrekrutierung in Schulen berichtet. Vor der Vertreibung der al-Shabaab aus Kismayo, Baidoa und Merka während des Jahres 2012 habe die al-Shabaab 15-jährige oder ältere Kinder zum Kampf gezwungen oder ihnen mit Hinrichtung gedroht. Am 22. Jänner 2012 habe die al-Shabaab mindestens 200 Jungen während einer öffentlichen Veranstaltung in Afgoye entführt und aufgenommen. Die al-Shabaab habe Schüler höherer Schulen in Kismayo gezwungen, zwischen Mai und Juni 2012 die Offensive der AMISOM-Truppen (African Union Mission in Somalia) in Südsomalia zu bekämpfen:

“There continued to be reports children were included in the country’s numerous clan and other militias. […] The use of child soldiers by al-Shabaab continued. According to HRW, children in al-Shabaab training camps underwent grueling physical training, inadequate diet, weapons training, physical punishment, and religious training, and had to witness the punishment and execution of other children. Al-Shabaab used children in combat, including by placing them in front of other fighters to serve as human shields, and also used them as suicide bombers. In addition, al-Shabaab used children in support roles such as carrying ammunition, water, and food; removing wounded and killed militants; gathering intelligence; and serving as guards. According to the UN, al-Shabaab recruited children as young as eight from schools and madrassas. These children were sometimes used to plant roadside bombs and other explosive devices. Somali press frequently carried accounts of al-Shabaab indoctrinating children at ‘dugsi’ or schools and forcibly recruiting students into their ranks. Before al-Shabaab’s expulsion from Kismayo, Baidoa, and Merka during the year, al-Shabaab forced boys 15 and older to fight or be executed. On January 22, al-Shabaab abducted and inducted at least 200 boys in Afgoye during a public gathering. Al-Shabaab forced high school students from Kismayo into fighting the AMISOM offensive in southern Somalia between May and June.” (USDOS, 19. April 2013, Section 1g)

Human Rights Watch (HRW) schreibt in seinem Jahresbericht zur Menschenrechtslage vom Jänner 2013 (Berichtszeitraum 2012), dass die al-Shabaab in Gebieten unter ihrer Kontrolle Erwachsene und Kinder zwangsrekrutiert habe:

„Al-Shabaab committed serious abuses such as targeted killings, beheadings, and executions, and forcibly recruited adults and children in areas under its control. […]

All of the Somali parties to the conflict have continued to commit serious abuses against children, including recruiting children into their forces. Al-Shabaab has targeted children for recruitment, forced marriage, and rape, and has attacked teachers and schools. In July 2012, the TFG signed a plan of action against child recruitment; yet the same month, 15 children were identified among a group of new recruits sent to a European Union-funded training in Uganda. The government has also detained children formerly associated with al-Shabaab, and used them as informants.“ (HRW, 31. Jänner 2013)

Der UNO-Generalsekretär schreibt in einem Bericht an den UNO-Sicherheitsrat (UNSC) vom Jänner 2013, dass es zwischen August und Dezember 2012 zur Rekrutierung von 575 Kindern, darunter 564 Jungen, und zur Entführung von 528 Kindern, darunter 489 Jungen, gekommen sei. Insgesamt habe der UNO-Generalsekretär 1.506 Menschenrechtsverletzungen verzeichnet. Die al-Shabaab habe den größten Teil der Menschenrechtsverletzungen begangen:

„From August to the end of December, a total of 1,506 violations were reported: 100 killings (84 boys, 16 girls); 192 maimings (138 boys, 57 girls); 575 recruitments (564 boys, 11 girls); 86 incidents of sexual violence and rape (1 boy, 85 girls); 528 abductions (489 boys, 39 girls); 13 attacks on schools; 1 attack on a hospital; and 11 denials of humanitarian access. While Al-Shabaab continued to commit the highest number of violations, many cases of sexual violence are attributed to the Somali National Security Forces and its allies. The majority of incidents were reported from southern and central Somalia. Engagement with Al-Shabaab and related armed groups on the protection of children was not possible during the reporting period. The new Government reiterated its commitment to the action plans signed in 2012.“ (UNSC, 31. Jänner 2013, S. 9)

In einem gemeinsamen Bericht des Danish Immigration Service (DIS) und des norwegischen Herkunftsländerinformationszentrums Landinfo zu einer Fact-Finding-Mission nach Nairobi und Mogadischu im Oktober 2012 werden verschiedene Quellen bezüglich Zwangsrekrutierung durch die al-Shabaab in Mogadischu zitiert. Das United Nations Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS) habe angeführt, dass es der al-Shabaab unmöglich sei, in Mogadischu Zwangsrekrutierungen durchzuführen oder Personen zu mobilisieren. Ayaki Ito von UNHCR habe angegeben, er könne nur schwer glauben, dass die al-Shabaab die Fähigkeit habe, in Mogadischu systematische Rekrutierungen durchzuführen. Eine örtliche NGO in Mogadischu habe angegeben, es gebe keine Berichte von Zwangsrekrutierung durch die al-Shabaab in Mogadischu, jedoch könne es in den Außenbezirken, wie Hurriwa, weiterhin dazu kommen. Eine weitere NGO, die in Süd- und Zentralsomalia tätig sei, habe angezweifelt, dass die al-Shabaab die Fähigkeiten habe, in Mogadischu Zwangsrekrutierungen durchzuführen. Eine weitere NGO habe über den Fall einer Familie berichtet, die zwei Söhne nach Nairobi geschickt habe, um einer Rekrutierung durch die al-Shabaab zu entgehen. Die Organisation Saferworld habe es als unwahrscheinlich eingeschätzt, dass die al-Shabaab aktuell Zwangsrekrutierungen durchführe. Die Gruppe würde nicht auf junge Menschen abzielen, sondern versuchen, die Elite zu beeinflussen. Zuvor hätten sich viele junge Menschen, insbesondere aus Minderheitengruppen, der al-Shabaab angeschlossen. Laut einer internationalen NGO verfüge die al-Shabaab nicht über Mittel, aktuell Rekrutierungen durchzuführen. Die Gruppe hätte nicht die wirtschaftlichen Mittel, Menschen zu bezahlen. Tony Burns der Organisation SAACID [somalisch für „helfen“] habe angegeben, dass die al-Shabaab weiterhin in Mogadischu Rekrutierungen durchführen könnte, obwohl sie nicht über die selben finanziellen Mittel wie zuvor verfüge. Die al-Shabaab verfüge weiterhin über die „Marke“ und die „Marke“ sei Furcht. Jedoch könne die Gruppe nicht in großem Ausmaß rekrutieren. Tony Burns habe seit der Ramadan-Offensive im Jahr 2010 von keinen Zwangsrekrutierungen in Mogadischu gehört. Eine örtliche NGO in Mogadischu habe angezweifelt, dass die al-Shabaab in Mogadischu in großem Ausmaß Rekrutierungen durchführen könne, jedoch könne sie Personen auffordern, für sie zu spionieren, Attentate auszuführen und Steuern zu bezahlen. Laut dem Elman Peace and Human Rights Center in Mogadischu rekrutiere die al-Shabaab weiterhin Kinder in Binnenvertriebenenlagern sowie in ländlichen Gebieten in der Nähe Mogadischus. Laut einer örtlichen NGO würden besonders junge Menschen, oftmals ohne Familie und nahe Verwandte, oder Benachteiligte und Minderheiten zum Ziel von Rekrutierung. Saferworld habe nicht ausgeschlossen, dass die al-Shabaab Druck auf junge Menschen ausüben könne, um sie als Selbstmordattentäter einzusetzen:

„UNDSS stated that there is no way al-Shabaab would be able to forcibly recruit or mobilize persons in Mogadishu. Al-Shabaab only recruits in areas in S/C Somalia where it is in control. Regarding recruitment to al-Shabaab in Mogadishu Ayaki Ito, UNHCR, stated that he found it hard to believe that al-Shabaab is able to recruit systematically, and there are no reports on al-Shabaab undertaking forced recruitment or threatening people to be recruited. Forced recruitment by al- Shabaab in Mogadishu today does not make economic sense. However, al-Shabaab may pay persons to undertake operations on its behalf. Concerning forced recruitment to al-Shabaab a local NGO in Mogadishu (C) stated that if the government does not establish youth programs for young men in Mogadishu there is a risk that many of these will look towards al-Shabaab and some may even join its ranks. On the other hand there are reports that forced recruitment to al-Shabaab is decreasing. The local NGO in Mogadishu (C) had no reports of forced recruitment to al-Shabaab in the city of Mogadishu, but it could still occur in outlying districts like Hurriwa, where al-Shabaab still has some influence and presence. Al- Shabaab would not try to undertake forced recruitment in the more central areas of Mogadishu. When asked if al-Shabaab recruit persons in Mogadishu an international NGO working in S/C Somalia (D) stated that it had not heard about this and added that al-Shabaab has lost control of Mogadishu. Al-Shabaab only has some influence in Central Somalia. However, young persons can easily be manipulated as many would like to have power and money. This is a major reason why some youngsters turn to al-Shabaab. The NGO reiterated that it did not believe that al-Shabaab is able to undertake forced recruitment in Mogadishu as it does not even control a single district of Mogadishu. It was added that al-Shabaab members in Mogadishu do not dress as they used to. Today al-Shabaab members dress like anyone else in order for them not to be recognized. An international NGO working in S/C Somalia (D) explained that there are some examples of families having sent their children abroad in order to avoid recruitment to al-Shabaab. Recently a family in Mogadishu sent their two sons to Nairobi, Kenya in order to avoid them being recruited to al-Shabaab and in order for them not be suspected by the NSA for being al-Shabaab spies or fighters. According to a local NGO in Mogadishu (C) there is a risk the people will turn to al-Shabaab and even support the movement if the government does not fulfill their expectations. Today, people are not idealistic; they will turn to those who will assist them, i.e. give them money and power. Regarding recruitment to al-Shabaab in Mogadishu Saferworld explained that this is complex since al-Shabaab has different wings, including a clan element. It has a military wing, an ideological wing and a wing based on clan identity. The military wing of al-Shabaab has now been weakened and there are presently a lot of defectors from al-Shabaab. However, al-Shabaab’s ideological and clan based wings have probably survived in some places. Al-Shabaab still has some clan connections, but the clan factor of al-Shabaab is one of the most complicated issues. However, Saferworld stated that ‘blood is thicker than water’ and the clan is blood. There is a Somali proverb stating that even the most religious scholar would rather rejoice his clan than Paradise, in other words – clan is very important. Saferworld emphasized that it is the sub-sub clan level that is crucial as regards support for al-Shabaab. Saferworld considered that recruitment to al-Shabaab is complex today. It could be al-Shabaab trying to recruit among people, but it could even be people posing as al-Shabaab, there are clan groups, warlords are still there, but people might feel or believe that al-Shabaab is responsible since they have been the main recruiter for the past six years. When asked why youngsters let themselves be recruited by al-Shabaab Saferworld explained that many young people do not see a future for themselves in Somalia and their economic opportunities are limited. According to Saferworld al-Shabaab is changing its shape, and it has now organized itself into more or less dormant cells and these cells are very cautious not to become exposed and discovered. Saferworld found it unlikely that al-Shabaab undertakes forced recruitment today and the movement is not targeting very young people but rather tries to influence the elite, that is more prominent people, for example politicians and business people in order to get some backing. According to Saferworld there were previously many youngsters, especially from the minority groups who joined al-Shabaab as these groups have been marginalized and their rights violated throughout the civil war. Thus there have been much anger and frustration among members of these groups and joining al-Shabaab was a question of survival for many and an opportunity of getting revenge. Regarding forced recruitment to al-Shabaab in Mogadishu an international NGO working in S/C Somalia (C) stated that al-Shabaab does not have the leverage to undertake forced recruitment today. They don’t have the economic means to pay people and many people are defecting from al- Shabaab, and according to the NGO’s assessment nobody is joining al-Shabaab any longer. People hate al-Shabaab and the NGO was confident that al-Shabaab is incapable of recruiting in Mogadishu. Previously many joined al-Shabaab as they did not have anything else to do, and al-Shabaab could buy people since it for instance had huge incomes from Kismayo, and losing Kismayo was devastating for al-Shabaab. According to Tony Burns, SAACID – Australia, al-Shabaab may still recruit in Mogadishu, even though it does have the same financial means as before, it still has the brand and the brand is fear. But it cannot recruit on a large scale. Today it is much more likely to recruit on short-term contracts, where youngsters are hired for ‘one-off’ actions, such as to throw grenades, etc. Tony Burns, SAACID – Australia, explained that he and his staff hadn’t heard of forced recruitment in Mogadishu since the 2010 Ramadan offensive. Asked about the dead civilians found in some neighbourhoods, Tony Burns stated that beheadings and cutting of throats (in northern Mogadishu where al-Shabaab still has a stronger presence) could indicate that al-Shabaab was responsible. The reason might for instance be suspicion of spying for the government. Some of the killings by guns could be clan payback or any other reason. In either case there is still total impunity. Regarding forced recruitment by al-Shabaab a local NGO in Mogadishu (B) explained that this is a difficult issue. The NGO did not believe al-Shabaab could recruit soldiers on a large scale, but it can ask people to spy for them, to undertake assassinations, to pay taxes etc., but large scale recruitment of soldiers could hardly be possible since among other things – where would it train the recruits? Besides in September 2012 more than 200 fighters defected, and al-Shabaab is a damaged organization. The NGO also meant that these things mostly occur in the outskirts of Mogadishu, not in the central parts of the city. However if you refuse to support al-Shabaab you may be in trouble. According to Elman Peace and Human Rights Center, Mogadishu, al-Shabaab usually targets children and they are still recruiting among children in the IDP-camps and street children as well as in the rural areas, which are areas just in the outskirts of Mogadishu. There are also many children having been sent by their families from far away to look for a living in Mogadishu, and they are easily picked up by al-Shabaab on the way. Elman Peace and Human Rights Center, Mogadishu added that al-Shabaab also recruits on an ad hoc basis, it looks for people to carry out specific missions for instance to place a box somewhere or to throw a grenade, afterwards they are paid a couple of hundred dollars. There are also still a lot of sympathizers that would fight for al-Shabaab as they see this as an opportunity to gain power and money. Many individuals that have been marginalized based on their clan minority [status] became empowered by al-Shabaab, and it provided a platform for them to dictate and take vengeance on those who abused them before with this new found power. Tribalism has been a key entry point for al-Shabaab sympathizers of which a majority hails from minority clans. According to a local NGO in Mogadishu (B) those most likely to be targeted by al-Shabaab for recruitment would be youngsters, often without family or close relatives, the disadvantaged and the minorities with less resources. Al-Shabaab has also recruited among some of the smaller Hawiye clans for instance Duduble and Murusade, whereas for example an Abgal of the Sa’ad sub-clan is less likely to be recruited to al-Shabaab. That does not mean they are not recruited but rather there are less [recruitment] of these clans. It was added that al-Shabaab would “love to recruit” insiders with links to the government or local NGOs. Saferworld has never had reports of forced recruited by al-Shabaab. But whenever al-Shabaab took an area they would in the last few years target respected elders and clan leaders in order to get support. First it would try to use inducement, but if that didn’t work it used the stick, and sometimes a combination of both. In many places the traditional elders or clan leaders in order to survive, gave al-Shabaab their loyalty and the first condition would be to bring recruits. So probably the elders put pressure on the youth to join al-Shabaab. Saferworld did not see any reason why al-Shabaab today should use forced recruitment or threaten youngsters in Mogadishu to join its ranks. On the other hand Saferworld could not exclude that al-Shabaab would put pressure on youngsters in order to use them as suicide bombers. Also it could be that al-Shabaab since it has had to change tactics, would rather recruit people that you wouldn’t suspect were al-Shabaab, that is people working for instance with international NGOs. An international NGO working in S/C Somalia (A) explained that those who have been recruited to al-Shabaab are mostly young people without possibilities, without education, without hope for the future. Youngsters sympathizing with al-Shabaab would do acts on behalf of al-Shabaab. Approximately 70% of the population are youth or young adults. They were born after 1991 when the civil war began and they have never experienced anything but war and conflict. Many of them, including minors have joined a militia or al-Shabaab.“ (DIS/Landinfo, Jänner 2013, S. 27-30)

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Informationen zur Lage im Jahr 2011

Das US-Außenministerium (US Department of State, USDOS) schreibt in seinem Jahresbericht vom Mai 2012 (Berichtszeitraum 2011), dass das Kinderhilfswerk der Vereinten Nationen (UNICEF) und der UNO-Sondergesandte für Kinder im Mai 2011 über einen Anstieg der Rekrutierung von Kindern berichtet hätten. Einige Kinder seien erst acht Jahre alt gewesen. Die Rekrutierungen seien großteils in von der al-Shabaab kontrollierten Gebieten erfolgt. Die Kinder seien zum Legen von Bomben eingesetzt worden. In Kismayo, Baidoa und Merka habe die al-Shabaab Kinder im Alter von 15 Jahren oder älter zum Kampf als „Mudschaheddin“ gezwungen, oder ihnen mit Hinrichtung gedroht. Human Rights Watch (HRW) habe ebenfalls von Zwangsrekrutierung von Kindern durch die al-Shabaab berichtet:

„In May UNICEF and the UN special representative of the secretary-general for children and armed conflict reported an increase in the recruitment of children, some as young as eight, in conflict areas in Somalia, largely in al-Shabaab-controlled areas. According to the UN, al-Shabaab recruited children as young as eight from schools and madrassahs. The children were often used to plant roadside bombs and other explosive devices. In Kismayo, Baidoa, and Merka, al-Shabaab forced boys 15 and older to fight as ‘Mujahideen’ or be executed.

Human Rights Watch also reported forcible recruitment of children by al-Shabaab, with al-Shabaab often recruiting the children from schools or while they traveled to or from school. According to information from the NGO, children in al-Shabaab training camps underwent grueling physical training, weapons training, physical punishment, religious training, and had to witness the punishment and execution of other children. Al-Shabaab used children in combat, including by placing them in front of other fighters to serve as human shields, and also used them as suicide bombers. In addition, al-Shabaab used children in support roles such as carrying ammunition, water, and food; removing wounded and killed militants; gathering intelligence; and serving as guards.“ (USDOS, 24. Mai 2012, Section 1g)

Der unabhängige Experte zur Menschenrechtslage in Somalia schreibt im August 2011 in seinem Bericht an den UNO-Menschenrechtsrat, dass die al-Shabaab im Mai und Juni 2011 über 180 Kinder in Lower Juba rekrutiert habe. Systematische Rekrutierungen in Bay und Bakol seien ebenfalls dokumentiert worden. Schulen würden vermehrt zum Ziel von Rekrutierungsmaßnahmen. Im Mai und Juni 2011 sei es zudem in Mogadischu zur Rekrutierung, Tötung und Verstümmelung von Kindern gekommen:

“The widespread and systematic recruitment and use of children in armed conflict in Somalia continues to be a matter of utmost concern. Al-Shabaab continues its policy of active child recruitment. In May and June, it reportedly recruited over 180 children in Lower Juba; systematic recruitment from Bay and Bakol was also documented. Schools are increasingly targeted for recruitment. […]

According to United Nations monitors, in May and June, 463 grave violations against children involving primarily child recruitment and the killing and maiming of children in Mogadishu were reported. Child soldiers are often used in the frontline.” (HRC, 29. August 2011, S. 8)

Weitere Informationen zu Aktivitäten der al-Shabaab in Somalia im Jahr 2011 entnehmen Sie bitte einer Archivversion zu unserem auf ecoi.net veröffentlichten Themendossier:

 

Quellen: (Zugriff auf alle Quellen am 8. Mai 2013)