ICC renews call for LRA arrests

THE HAGUE, Netherlands, Oct. 6 (UPI) -- Failed attempts at peace and a surge in violence have prompted calls for the arrest of rebel leaders from the Lord's Resistance Army in Uganda.

The International Criminal Court, based in the Netherlands, released a statement Monday saying with the growing number of civilians being killed and the ongoing abduction of children forced to become soldiers, the international community needs to increase efforts to arrest LRA leader Joseph Kony and other top officials in the rebel organization, the United Nations reported.

Despite recent promises to forge a peace deal with the Ugandan government, the LRA continues to commit violent acts against civilians, including the forced recruitment of as many as 25,000 children to become soldiers.

The LRA has been involved in a violent war with the Ugandan government since the mid-1980s. Officials say a recent surge in violence and measures to expand the LRA forces have prompted calls for a campaign to target the rebel organization.

"The price paid today by civilians is high," the ICC said in a release.

"The criminals remain at large and continue to commit crimes, and they are threatening the entire region. Arrest is long overdue."