Information on the above-mentioned topic could not be found among the sources consulted by the DIRB.

However, according to Human Rights Watch, forced conscription into the UNITA armed forces is widespread in zones under its control (HRW/A Feb. 1996, 29). The same source added that UNITA does not allow civilians to freely leave UNITA controlled areas (ibid., 28).

For further information on the treatment of UNITA sympathizers and on UNITA's activities, please refer to Responses to Information Requests AGO24545.E of 17 July 1996 and AGO25096.E of 16 October 1996, which are available at Regional Documentation Centres.

This Response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the DIRB within time constraints. This Response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim to refugee status or asylum. Please find below a list of additional sources consulted in researching this Information Request.

Human Rights Watch (HRW)/Africa. February 1996. Angola Between War and Peace: Arms Trade and Human Rights Abuses Since the Lusaka Protocol. New York: Human Rights Watch/Africa.

Human Rights Watch (HRW)/Africa. February 1996. Angola Between War and Peace: Arms Trade and Human Rights Abuses Since the Lusaka Protocol. New York: Human Rights Watch/Africa, pp. 28-31.

Amnesty Annual Report. 1996.

Country Reports on Human Rights Practices for 1995. 1996.

DIRB Indexed Media Review [Ottawa]. 1996

DIRB Angola country file. 1996.

Foreign Broadcast Information Service (FBIS) Daily Reports. 1996.

On-line search of media articles.