Kampala — THE UN Security council is soliciting international NGOs working in northern Uganda to help in the hunt for LRA rebel leaders wanted by the International Criminal Court (ICC).

The message was delivered by French foreign affairs minister Phillipe Douste-Blazy, who met representatives of over 20 NGOs when he visited the north on Saturday.

"The NGOs operating in this conflict area should cooperate with neighbouring countries to arrest the LRA chiefs," a source quoted Phillipe.

Officials from UNICEF, the UN Office for Co-ordination of humanitarian Affairs and the International Red Cross attended.

Phillipe said his visit was to assess the problem of child soldiers, the protection and re-integration of children affected by the war.

The visit is part of an initiative undertaken by France and other members of the Security Council to mobilise the international community for protection and re-integration of children affected by armed conflict.

"The ICC issued warrants of arrest for the rebel leaders for committing crimes against humanity.

Phillipe told journalists at Entebbe Airport that the remaining LRA rebels and other forces torturing the masses would be punished.

"Human life is sacred and should not be destroyed," Phillipe said.