SUDAN
In 1983, unrest in Sudan culminated into a civil war between the Sudanese government and the Sudan People's Liberation Army (SPLA). To date, the conflict has claimed the lives of 500,000 people and has displaced many thousands more. Around 20,000 young boys-- ages 7 to 17-- of Sudan were forced to leave their homes in fear of being treated as enemy combatants. These children walked hundreds of miles across Sudan, Ethiopia, and into refugee camps in Kenya.
Many of these boys have grown up in refugee camps, unable to return to their homeland. There are approximately 17,000 camps in Kenya and Ethiopia filled with Sudanese Lost Boys.
In 2001, the United States government agreed to allow 3,600 Sudanese Lost Boys to enter the country. However, after the terrorist attacks on 9/11, the government has ceased to admit more Lost Boys.
Many of these boys have grown up in refugee camps, unable to return to their homeland. There are approximately 17,000 camps in Kenya and Ethiopia filled with Sudanese Lost Boys.
In 2001, the United States government agreed to allow 3,600 Sudanese Lost Boys to enter the country. However, after the terrorist attacks on 9/11, the government has ceased to admit more Lost Boys.