More Child Soldiers Released In South Sudan

Another set of child soldiers have been released by armed groups in south Sudan.

According to UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) at least 200 children have been released by armed groups. Recall that this would be the second release after about 200 were released recently.

Mahimbo Mdoe, UNICEF’s Representative in South Sudan, said: “UNICEF, UNMISS and government partners have negotiated tirelessly with parties to the conflict so as to enable this release of children,” Mdoe said.

“But the work does not stop here. The reintegration process is a delicate one and we must now ensure the children have all the support they need to make a success of their lives.”

The 207 children released – 112 boys, 95 girls – were from the ranks of the South Sudan National Liberation Movement (SSNLM).

SSNLM in 2016 signed a peace agreement with the Government and is now integrating its ranks into the national army – and from the Sudan People’s Liberation Army-In Opposition (SPLA-IO).

UNICEF said an upsurge of fighting in July 2016 stalled the original plans to release the children, but momentum was now building for further releases in the future.

The UN agency said: “Despite this progress, there are still around 19,000 children serving in the ranks of armed forces and groups in South Sudan.

“So long as the recruitment and use of children by armed groups continues, these groups fail on their commitment to uphold the rights of children under international law.

“As peace talks resume and the future of the transitional government is debated, UNICEF urges all parties to the conflict to end the recruitment of children and to release all children in their ranks.

“Adequate funding for UNICEF’s release programme is also essential. UNICEF South Sudan requires 45 million dollars to support release, demobilisation and reintegration of 19,000 children over the next three years”.

The first release of children took place in Yambio Town in early February, where more than 300 children were released to return to their families, or to UNICEF-supported care centres.

The latest release of 207 children took place in a rural community called Bakiwiri, about an hour’s drive from Yambio, in Western Equatorial State.

Mdoe said: “No child should ever have to pick up a weapon and fight. For every child released, today marks the start of a new life.

“UNICEF is proud to support these children as they return to their families and start to build a brighter future.”

UNICEF said during the ceremony, the children were formally disarmed and provided with civilian clothes.

Medical screenings would now be carried out, and the children would receive counselling and psychosocial support as part of the reintegration programme, which is implemented by UNICEF and partners.

Also, when the children return to their homes, their families will be provided with three months’ worth of food assistance to support their initial reintegration.

The children would also be provided with vocational training aimed at improving household income and food security as being unable to support themselves economically could be a key factor in children becoming associated with armed groups.

In addition to services related to livelihoods, UNICEF and partners would ensure the released children have access to age-specific education services in schools and accelerated learning centres.