Sudan has freed 21 child soldiers who were captured in war-torn Darfur last year during fighting between government troops and rebels, the United Nations said Thursday.
Their release came days after President Omar al-Bashir declared in North Darfur that he would order all detained children from the rebel side be freed.
Ms. Marta Ruedas, the UN Resident Coordinator is quoted saying “It is with great joy that we receive the announcement of the release of these children. This action is a clear result of the Government’s determination towards the protection of children who are affected by conflict in the country.
The United Nations would like to take this opportunity to reiterate its full support to the Government in promoting and protecting children’s rights in Sudan, including in areas of armed conflict”
The UN regards the release of this group as an important milestone towards the implementation of the Action Plan signed between the United Nations and the Government of Sudan on 27 March 2016.
The document aims to contribute to the overall protection of children affected by armed conflict in Sudan and specifically to the protection against and prevention of their recruitment and use, as well as to the release, reintegration and rehabilitation of children. UNICEF reports
UNICEF said that the released children will be housed in a government transit centre that will enable their re-integration into their families and communities.
