Goma, 23 December 2011 – Christmas is widely perceived in Africa as a children festivity; indeed, it is the only time of the year when many children can expect to get a special treat from their parents or from a kind soul. However, the treatment that they get varies widely from one category of children to another. The intention of the United Nations Stabilization Mission in the DR Congo (MONUSCO) by organizing a Christmas event for the street children of Goma was to ensure that they are not left out of this year's festivities, and also to give them a sense of belonging. It was this reason that led a group of peacekeepers, both civilians and military, to gather for the occasion some 300 street children in Goma, and to celebrate with them.

The event was an initiative of MONUSCO's Child Protection Section. To start off, two teams were set up to compete in a soccer match, against a musical background served by the Highlander, the name of Indian battalion band. Following the game, they all received gifts, and were served lunch.

Most street children in this area live on the streets of Buhinda, a poor neighborhood on the fringes of the city center, Goma. They have, for the most part, broken ties with their families.

While addressing the audience on the occasion, Child Protection officer, Estelle Emile-Dad, tried to draw attention on the plight of these children and the dangers they are exposed to, citing the risk of being drawn in political activities, especially during this election period. These children were "forced into the streets" before they became "street children," she explained. Once in the streets, they are subject to all sorts of violations and mistreatments. When rejected by their families and communities, the streets become their sole refuge.

In his opening remarks, the mayor of Goma, Jean Busanga Maliaseme, voiced concern over the increase of street children, indicating that they were expecting substantive contributions from MONUSCO and its partners to help address this issue.

Clara Padovan/ MONUSCO